Caterham returns to Australian market

Classic British sports car now compliant in Australia again

Caterham Australian market return
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After a two-year hiatus, Caterham cars are back on the menu in Australia.

The British sports car maker needed to spend a couple of years meeting new European WLTP emissions regulations and subsequently regaining Australian Compliance Approval, but the brand’s main attraction (the Caterham Seven) is now available to order again.

Caterham Seven Side Jpg
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With a revised range, only three versions of the Seven are up for grabs in Australia (as opposed to the eight previously available), with three models providing a span from base to halo.

At the lower end of the spectrum is the Caterham Seven 275, the $73,700 offering which forms the simplest way to get into a Caterham.

The 275 is powered by a 1.6-litre Ford Sigma inline four, good for 100kW and 160Nm, but in a package that weighs just 540kg (an international weight figure). Caterham claims a 0-100km/h of 5.0 seconds flat.

The other two model available are quite similar in specification level, but one’s packing a bit of extra kit.

Caterham Engine Jpg
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At $114,000, the Caterham Seven 485 S runs a dry-sump 2.0-litre atmo engine making 177kW and 206Nm. This, in a package that weighs around 525kg, makes for a supercar-fighting track car that can hit 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds.

The 485 comes with a limited-slip diff, which the base 275 misses out on, plus adjustable suspension.

Caterham Seven 485 Jpg
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Or, for an extra $1000, you can have the Caterham Seven 485 CSR, which adds inboard front suspension, an anti-roll bar at the front (both models have them at the rear), more aero-friendly guards and, and independent wishbone rear suspension.

Both versions of 485 come with Avon ZZS tyres which are made from a soft compound that suits the Caterham Seven’s lightweight nature. On the CSR, you can wrap these tyres around a set of 15-inch CSR-specific wheels.

Interested buyers will need to contact Caterham’s Cremorne showroom in Melbourne, which can deliver to customers at an extra fee for transport.

Chris Thompson
Contributor

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