Caterham Cars has unveiled a new entry-level variant of the celebrated British sportscar for the Japanese market – the Seven 160.Based on its European siblings, the new version takes the downsizing mantra even further.
Priced ¥3,650,000, the car’s live-axle rear suspension and compact engine embody the pioneering spirit of early Sevens and represents a new entry-point to the Seven range in Japan.
Designed specifically to comply with Japanese Kei car classification, which require vehicles to meet size and engine capacity specifications, the new vehicle is set to inject new levels of driving enjoyment into the Kei car sector.
Weighing less than 500kg, the Seven 160 is capable of reaching 100kph in just 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 160kph.
Caterham Group CEO, Graham Macdonald, said: “As the Caterham Group continues to expand into new sectors, the 160 demonstrates Caterham’s ability to take the Seven concept and adapt it to one of the most stringent regulatory systems in the world.
“The 160 is a joy to drive, providing customers in Japan with something truly different by being both cheaper and the most eco-friendly Seven we have ever built. Above all, it is unmistakably a Seven at heart.”
With the super-compact, 660cc Suzuki Motor Corporation engine and lower overall body weight, the new vehicle maintains Caterham’s legendary handling characteristics, trading outright performance for an even purer driving experience. The new model introduces new levels of efficiency and value for money to the Caterham range in Japan.
To meet the desired performance criteria of the UK-built vehicle, the Caterham Group’s engineering consultancy, Caterham Technology & Innovation (CTI), fine-tuned the engine’s performance while ensuring the vehicle adheres to strict Japanese Kei car regulations.
Meanwhile, European variants of the car are available to customers living outside of Japan.
Production of the Caterham Seven 160 is has already begun, with first Japanese customer deliveries in May.