Caterham adds Seven 275 to local line-up

UK constructor Caterham has released a new entry-specification Seven to the Australian market, creating a three-strong model line-up for the iconic brand.

The Seven 275 succeeds the Roadsport SV 120 as the entry point. Powered by a 100kW Ford four-pot, the Seven 275 is 15kW more powerful than the SV 120 while also being $1000 cheaper. It is priced from $68,990 (plus on-road costs).

As per Caterham tradition, a fairly rudimentary (especially for the cost) level of standard kit is on offer, keeping mass to a minimum.

Cloth trim, a fully carpeted interior, full weather equipment (including soft-top and side screen doors), heater(!), electrically-heated windscreen and an ‘unpainted aluminium body’ highlight the standard equipment list, though you do get a choice of six nosecone and mud guard colours.

Also following tradition is an expansive cost option list, mostly in aid of extracting further performance. Owners can upgrade from the stock five-speed manual to a close-ratio six-speeder, specify 15-inch alloys with trackday-spec Avon rubber (up from 14-inch stock alloys), a limited-slip differential and adjustable suspension platforms and roll bars are among the tastier available options. There’s also a battery isolation switch, rollover hoop and four-point harnesses for the hard-core.

For added comfort there’s also a leather seat trim option, carbon dash, tonneau cover, a zipped half-hood for better access and a lowered floor to better fit taller cabin occupants.

Zero to 100km/h is reached in a claimed 5.5 seconds but, thanks mostly to its light weight, claimed fuel consumption is only 6.2L/100km.

Available from mid-year, the new Seven 275 rides on the larger SV chassis (as do all Caterhams built for the Australian market). It joins the existing mid-spec Seven CSR (127kW, $91,900 plus on-roads) and eye-popping Seven 485 (177kW, $116,990 plus on-roads) in Australian Caterham showrooms.