Caterham Super Seven 600 Review: Modern Engine, Retro Charm

Caterham Super Seven 600 Review: Modern Engine, Retro Charm

Around a year ago I introduced you to what could well be the saviour for the petrolhead, the Caterham Seven 170. This is a sportscar that may only have a little engine, but packs a big punch when it comes to driving enjoyment and is greener than you may expect. Despite already dripping in retro loveliness, Caterham has now released a new version to appeal to those looking for even more nostalgia.

It’s called the Super Seven 600 because it has an engine with a 660cc displacement. No, you’re right, it doesn’t add up, does it? I suppose 600 is more nicely rounded than 660, perhaps. Moving away from the name, what does the Super Seven 600 give you? Well, in simple terms, it’s essentially a 170 that has been treated to styling cues inspired by Caterhams from the 70s and 80s.

Flares were all the rage in the 70s, and they haven’t been forgotten about here as flared wings come as standard, the same as the Super Seven 1600 I reviewed quite some time ago. As well as the flowing wings that seem to go on forever, there’s also the choice of 11 heritage colours – this one is Bordeaux Red – exclusive chrome finishes and Smiths gauges to make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the 20th century.

Normally priced from £29,990, it commands a £1,000 premium on the standard Seven 170, but this test car has a few options bringing the total to £34,685. One of the options is the lowered floor, which I would thoroughly recommend if you’re a taller person like me – I’m 6’2”.

Mechanically things are as they were from the Seven 170, meaning you get a pint-sized Suzuki engine helped out by a turbocharger. OK, 660cc is actually more than a pint – it’s metaphor, but joking aside, a UK pint is only around 100cc less – look it up. This diddy little three-cylinder offers just 85hp and 116Nm of torque.

That may sound pathetic for a so-called sportscar but it weighs just 460kg, so it’s less than half the weight of a Mazda MX-5, which was not exactly a porker the last time I checked. So despite its feeble-looking power output, if you work the short-throwing 5-speed manual quickly enough you can hustle this British icon to 60mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 105mph.

As with any Caterham, you are pretty much sat on the rear axle with the front end virtually an extension of yourself, making for a rather interesting driving experience. The Super Seven 600 features a live rear axle which is about as primitive as a caveman’s club, but it’s lighter than the de dion setup and it’s simpler. The downside is that it’s not as comfortable, so you will notice it on bumpy roads, especially when you consider your positioning on the chassis. Mind you, on most roads, I doubt you’ll be too fussed.

Chapters:
0:00 Pre-Video Hook
0:19 Channel Intro
0:36 Video Intro
2:02 Engine Specs/Performance
3:29 Gearbox
3:59 Narrowest Caterham
4:41 Live Rear Axle
5:46 Handling
7:01 Pedalbox
7:37 Proof You Don't Need A Lot Of Power
8:00 A Brief History
8:35 So Much Character
10:00 Price
10:54 Caterham's Future
12:05 Conclusion

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Music Credit:
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