Caterham CSR

Our verdict

The Caterham CSR is the fastest current model, and distinguishes itself with a 2.3-litre Cosworth engine and 260bhp. Based on the wider ‘SV’ chassis, it’s supposed to be more user-friendly. Yup, if you’re usually involved in wrestling wild animals to death.

Comfort

Rides quite well, considering. But this is a carbon fibre swathe with oily bits bolted to it. The car is so focussed you tend to wonder whether you should have been more rigorous in your morning ablutions just to eliminate those extra grams. It is not a comfy long-distance cruiser, and you’ll notice that anyone who claims otherwise has a beard.

Performance

Two flavours of CSR are available, both with that 2.3-litre Cosworth-tuned engine. One has 200bhp, hits 62mph in just 3.7 seconds and runs on to 140mph. The other has 260bhp, tops 155mph and – if you can get the traction – hits 62mph in 3.1. Yes, you read that right. Six-speed gearboxes are positive but hard work and the brakes are usually phenomenal.

Cool

Even more ‘enthusiast’ than the Seven proper, but iconic. Only counts as cool if you don’t bore the trousers off everybody about how cool it is.

Quality

It’s all very bare in here and slightly dated, but you won’t be worried about the fixtures and fittings when your brain leaks out of your ears and your ears fall off.

Handling

This is a Caterham with a brutally powerful engine but that doesn’t mean that it can’t go, stop and turn like nothing else in the automotive world. Prepare to re-calibrate your senses. This is a sensational car.

Practicality

Same as the Seven, but slightly wider in the beam. So crap pop-stud roof, tiny boot. Nobody cares though, IKEA is for fools. Caterham owners do without furniture.

Running costs

Excellent economy can be had (the CSR is light, so you can still churn along without revving the engine), but you’re looking at Group 20 (surprise!). Residuals are ok so far.