Caterham unveils Seven 170, its lightest Seven model on record

Caterham has released the information and pricing on the all-new Seven 170, the most affordable and simultaneously the lightest Seven roadster on the lineup.

The vintage-looking ride is 3,180 mm long, around 1,000 mm tall and 1,470 mm wide if measured at the fender rims. It packs a tiny 0.66-liter (660cc) Suzuki engine initially rated at 63 PS (62 hp / 46 kW) due to Kei car engine power restrictions in force in Japan. However, the Caterham version of it is not bound by these restraints and uses a turbocharger to pump out 85 PS (84 hp / 63 kW).

This may not seem like much, but keep in mind that the whole roadster weighs in at just 440 kilograms, or 970 lbs. This translates into a power-to-weight ratio of 0.173 hp per kilogram, a rather decent number. Going 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) takes 6.9 seconds, and the top speed amounts to 169 km/h (105 mph). The gearbox is five-speed manual.

Prices start as low as £22,900 for a kit car in a crate for DIY assembly. You can always grab a ready-made car by adding another £2,395 to that sum. Standard equipment includes windshield, tiny doorlets, leather cabin, seat heating, 14-inch wheels and LED taillights – also a first for the conservative-minded Caterham.

Those who would like to upgrade their ride with the track-friendly R Pack can do so and enjoy sportier suspension, black exterior décor, a limited-slip differential, sports seats with multi-point safety harnesses, and carbon-fiber accents in the cabin. The whole costs just £1,000.

Further options include a Momo quick-release steering wheel, a mass disabler, a safety cage, and Kevlar trim.