Caterham Seven 170: The Lightweight Sports Car That Redefines Driving Thrills

Introduction: The Caterham Seven 170 – Lightweight, Fun, and Eco-Friendly

The Caterham Seven 170 takes the classic, minimalist approach to sports cars and perfects it. With just 84 horsepower from a small Suzuki engine, this featherweight machine delivers performance that rivals some of the fastest hot hatches on the market. What makes the Seven 170 stand out isn’t just its speed and handling, but its remarkable efficiency and eco-friendliness. Despite being a throwback to a simpler era of driving, this car feels as modern and relevant as ever.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Caterham Seven 170, exploring what makes it such a unique sports car and why its lightweight design philosophy may be the future of driving fun.

Back to Basics: Why the Caterham Seven 170 is Different

Caterham is a brand known for its unwavering commitment to simplicity, efficiency, and lightweight design. The Seven 170 is a prime example of this philosophy. Powered by a 660cc turbocharged Suzuki engine, the car produces just 84 horsepower, but that doesn’t mean it’s slow. Thanks to its **featherlight curb weight of just over 440 kg**, the Seven 170 boasts a **power-to-weight ratio of over 170 hp per ton**, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 6.9 seconds.
The secret to the Seven 170’s agility lies in its lightweight construction. Caterham has always believed in the mantra “simplify and add lightness,” a philosophy originally popularized by Colin Chapman, the creator of the Lotus Seven, the car that inspired all Caterhams. By keeping things light and simple, Caterham ensures that the driver can feel every bump, every turn, and every ounce of feedback from the road.

Driving Experience: Raw, Organic, and Exhilarating

If you’ve never driven a Caterham before, you’re in for a unique experience. The Seven 170 offers a raw, organic driving feel that’s almost impossible to find in modern sports cars. When you turn the small, responsive steering wheel, you’ll see the front wheels react instantly beneath the open mudguards. Every bump in the road sends feedback through the car’s suspension, making you feel connected to the road like never before.
Even at modest speeds, the Seven 170 feels fast. On a winding country road at 40 mph, it might seem like you’re flying, thanks to the car’s unfiltered, visceral nature. You’ll emerge from the experience with your heart racing, hands slightly shaky, and a huge smile on your face, amazed that a car this thrilling can still be road legal.

Performance and Power: Small Engine, Big Thrills

At the heart of the Seven 170 is a **660cc turbocharged Suzuki engine**. While 84 horsepower might not sound like much, it’s more than enough to make the Seven 170 a serious performer. The car’s **160 Nm of torque** is available early, thanks to the turbocharger, allowing for impressive acceleration out of tight corners and a top speed that exceeds 100 mph—though you’d have to be brave to hit that on the open road.
What’s particularly impressive about the Seven 170 is how well the engine’s modest power pairs with the car’s lightweight construction. With such little mass to move, the car feels incredibly responsive, and the power delivery is linear and engaging. The live rear axle and 155-section tires give the Seven 170 a playful character, making it easy for drivers of all skill levels to explore its limits.

Design and Features: Minimalist and Purposeful

The Seven 170 isn’t just the lightest model in the Caterham lineup—it’s also the **narrowest**. At just 1470mm wide, it’s 105mm narrower than its stablemates, making it the smallest Seven on the market. Despite its compact dimensions, the car is packed with character and charm.
The design features are quintessentially Caterham. The Seven 170 comes with **new alloy wheels**, rear LED lights, and a cleaner stripe design. Inside, you won’t find luxury features like a radio or advanced infotainment systems, but that’s part of the car’s charm. This car is built for driving, not for convenience or comfort. The cabin, which accommodates two slim occupants, is simple, functional, and purpose-built for performance.
For larger drivers, Caterham offers an optional **large chassis model**, which is slightly wider, longer, and taller, making it more comfortable without compromising the car’s core attributes.

Variants: 170S for the Road, 170R for the Track

Caterham offers two versions of the Seven 170: the **170S** and the **170R**. The 170S is the more road-oriented version, equipped with a five-speed gearbox, softer road suspension, and features like **leather seats**, a full windscreen, and weather gear. It’s the ideal choice for those who want a fun weekend car for spirited driving.
The 170R, on the other hand, is built for the track. It features **stiffer sport suspension**, a limited-slip differential, composite race seats, a four-point harness, and a carbon fiber dashboard. The 170R is lighter, more focused, and perfect for anyone looking to tackle track days or competitive events.
Both variants are available as either factory-built cars or in kit form, allowing enthusiasts to build their own Caterham at home. Prices for the 170 start at around £25,000, making it one of the most affordable ways to experience true sports car performance.

Running Costs: Surprisingly Affordable

Despite its high-performance nature, the Caterham Seven 170 is relatively inexpensive to run. Thanks to its lightweight construction, the car is easy on **tires, brakes**, and other consumables. You won’t have to worry about excessive wear and tear, even with aggressive driving.
The Seven 170 is also one of the most **fuel-efficient sports cars** you can buy. Drivers can expect to see **30-35 mpg** during normal use, and the car’s CO2 emissions are just 109 g/km, making it more eco-friendly than some hybrid vehicles. This means it qualifies for **ULEZ** and **Euro 6** compliance, which is impressive for such a performance-focused machine.
In terms of resale value, Caterham cars hold their worth remarkably well. After three years, a Seven 170 can still be worth over **65% of its original price**, which makes it a smart investment for anyone who values driving thrills without high depreciation.

Conclusion: The Caterham Seven 170 is the Purest Form of Driving Fun

The Caterham Seven 170 is proof that a car doesn’t need massive power or complex technology to be fun. With its lightweight design, simple mechanics, and thrilling performance, the Seven 170 offers a pure, unfiltered driving experience that’s hard to find in today’s world of high-tech sports cars.
Whether you’re looking for a track-day toy or a weekend cruiser, the Seven 170 delivers in every way that matters. It’s fun, efficient, and surprisingly affordable to run, making it an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts.
I recently came across someone with a similar experience with the Seven 170, and their passion for this car inspired me to dive deeper into what makes it so special. If you’re curious to see more, check out this in-depth video review here: Caterham Seven 170 | Full Review.