CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Caterham Seven

Caterham Seven — open two seat, *0.7 L ''Suzuki K6A'' I3 (Seven 160/165) *0.7 L ''Suzuki R06A'' turbo I3 (Seven 170) *1.4–1.8 L ''Rover K-Series'' I4 *1.6 L ''Lotus-Ford Twin Cam Cosworth BDR'' I4 (Seven DBR 1600) **1.6 L ''Ford-Kent I4'' *1.6 L ''Ford Sigma TI-VCT'' I4 (Seven 270) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' I4 (JPE) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' turbo I4 (S7 Competition R) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' I4 (Seven 360/420) *2.0 L ''Caterham Duratec'' I4 (Superlight) *2.0 L ''Caterham-Ford Sigma'' I4 (Supersport) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' supercharged I4 (Seven 620) *2.4 L ''Roush RST-V8'' supercharged V8 (Seven RST-V8). Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Caterham Seven
Engine*0.7 L ''Suzuki K6A'' I3 (Seven 160/165) *0.7 L ''Suzuki R06A'' turbo I3 (Seven 170) *1.4–1.8 L ''Rover K-Series'' I4 *1.6 L ''Lotus-Ford Twin Cam Cosworth BDR'' I4 (Seven DBR 1600) **1.6 L ''Ford-Kent I4'' *1.6 L ''Ford Sigma TI-VCT'' I4 (Seven 270) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' I4 (JPE) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' turbo I4 (S7 Competition R) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' I4 (Seven 360/420) *2.0 L ''Caterham Duratec'' I4 (Superlight) *2.0 L ''Caterham-Ford Sigma'' I4 (Supersport) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' supercharged I4 (Seven 620) *2.4 L ''Roush RST-V8'' supercharged V8 (Seven RST-V8)
Transmission5-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed sequential manual
DrivetrainLongitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive

About the Caterham Seven

Caterham Seven is a Open two seat in the sports car class. The available vehicle data lists *0.7 L ''Suzuki K6A'' I3 (Seven 160/165) *0.7 L ''Suzuki R06A'' turbo I3 (Seven 170) *1.4–1.8 L ''Rover K-Series'' I4 *1.6 L ''Lotus-Ford Twin Cam Cosworth BDR'' I4 (Seven DBR 1600) **1.6 L ''Ford-Kent I4'' *1.6 L ''Ford Sigma TI-VCT'' I4 (Seven 270) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' I4 (JPE) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' turbo I4 (S7 Competition R) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' I4 (Seven 360/420) *2.0 L ''Caterham Duratec'' I4 (Superlight) *2.0 L ''Caterham-Ford Sigma'' I4 (Supersport) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' supercharged I4 (Seven 620) *2.4 L ''Roush RST-V8'' supercharged V8 (Seven RST-V8) as an engine configuration, paired with 5-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed sequential manual and a Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Caterham Seven guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for *0.7 L ''Suzuki K6A'' I3 (Seven 160/165) *0.7 L ''Suzuki R06A'' turbo I3 (Seven 170) *1.4–1.8 L ''Rover K-Series'' I4 *1.6 L ''Lotus-Ford Twin Cam Cosworth BDR'' I4 (Seven DBR 1600) **1.6 L ''Ford-Kent I4'' *1.6 L ''Ford Sigma TI-VCT'' I4 (Seven 270) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' I4 (JPE) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' turbo I4 (S7 Competition R) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' I4 (Seven 360/420) *2.0 L ''Caterham Duratec'' I4 (Superlight) *2.0 L ''Caterham-Ford Sigma'' I4 (Supersport) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' supercharged I4 (Seven 620) *2.4 L ''Roush RST-V8'' supercharged V8 (Seven RST-V8) and 5-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed sequential manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Caterham Seven specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make Caterham
Model Seven
Model years Not specified
Body style Open two seat
Vehicle class Sports car
Manufacturer Caterham Cars
Production 1973–present
Market / country FI, NL

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Caterham Seven includes *0.7 L ''Suzuki K6A'' I3 (Seven 160/165) *0.7 L ''Suzuki R06A'' turbo I3 (Seven 170) *1.4–1.8 L ''Rover K-Series'' I4 *1.6 L ''Lotus-Ford Twin Cam Cosworth BDR'' I4 (Seven DBR 1600) **1.6 L ''Ford-Kent I4'' *1.6 L ''Ford Sigma TI-VCT'' I4 (Seven 270) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' I4 (JPE) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' turbo I4 (S7 Competition R) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' I4 (Seven 360/420) *2.0 L ''Caterham Duratec'' I4 (Superlight) *2.0 L ''Caterham-Ford Sigma'' I4 (Supersport) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' supercharged I4 (Seven 620) *2.4 L ''Roush RST-V8'' supercharged V8 (Seven RST-V8).. Transmission information includes 5-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed sequential manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive.

Engine *0.7 L ''Suzuki K6A'' I3 (Seven 160/165) *0.7 L ''Suzuki R06A'' turbo I3 (Seven 170) *1.4–1.8 L ''Rover K-Series'' I4 *1.6 L ''Lotus-Ford Twin Cam Cosworth BDR'' I4 (Seven DBR 1600) **1.6 L ''Ford-Kent I4'' *1.6 L ''Ford Sigma TI-VCT'' I4 (Seven 270) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' I4 (JPE) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' turbo I4 (S7 Competition R) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' I4 (Seven 360/420) *2.0 L ''Caterham Duratec'' I4 (Superlight) *2.0 L ''Caterham-Ford Sigma'' I4 (Supersport) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' supercharged I4 (Seven 620) *2.4 L ''Roush RST-V8'' supercharged V8 (Seven RST-V8)
Transmission 5-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed sequential manual
Drivetrain / layout Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Kerb / curb weight 545 kg (1,202 lb)

Caterham Seven other specifications

Image 2010 Caterham 7 Roadsport 175 1.6.jpg
Caption Caterham 7 Roadsport 175
Name Caterham 7
Sp uk
TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Caterham Seven

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load34 PSI front32 PSI rear
Fully loaded36 PSI front35 PSI rear
Load condition Front Rear Status
Normal 34 PSI 32 PSI Estimate
Fully loaded 36 PSI 35 PSI Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Caterham Seven

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Caterham Seven have?
The available source data lists the Caterham Seven engine as *0.7 L ''Suzuki K6A'' I3 (Seven 160/165) *0.7 L ''Suzuki R06A'' turbo I3 (Seven 170) *1.4–1.8 L ''Rover K-Series'' I4 *1.6 L ''Lotus-Ford Twin Cam Cosworth BDR'' I4 (Seven DBR 1600) **1.6 L ''Ford-Kent I4'' *1.6 L ''Ford Sigma TI-VCT'' I4 (Seven 270) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' I4 (JPE) *2.0 L ''Vauxhall twin-cam'' turbo I4 (S7 Competition R) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' I4 (Seven 360/420) *2.0 L ''Caterham Duratec'' I4 (Superlight) *2.0 L ''Caterham-Ford Sigma'' I4 (Supersport) *2.0 L ''Ford Duratec'' supercharged I4 (Seven 620) *2.4 L ''Roush RST-V8'' supercharged V8 (Seven RST-V8). Engine availability can differ by model year and market.
What tire pressure should I use for the Caterham Seven?
For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 34 PSI front and 32 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.
What is the best engine oil for the Caterham Seven?
There is no single best engine oil for every Caterham Seven configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.
What body style is the Caterham Seven?
The Caterham Seven is classified as a Open two seat.
What transmission does the Caterham Seven have?
The available source data lists 5-speed manual6-speed manual6-speed sequential manual transmission options for the Caterham Seven.
Is the Caterham Seven FWD, RWD or AWD?
The listed drivetrain/layout for the Caterham Seven is Longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel drive.
Who makes the Caterham Seven?
The manufacturer listed for the Caterham Seven is Caterham Cars.
When was the Caterham Seven produced?
The available source data describes production as 1973–present.
How much does the Caterham Seven weigh?
The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 545 kg (1,202 lb). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.
Where was the Caterham Seven built?
The available source record lists assembly information as United Kingdom: Dartford.
What class of car is the Caterham Seven?
The Caterham Seven is listed in the Sports car class.
Which markets or countries sold the Caterham Seven?
The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Caterham Seven with FI, NL. Market availability and specifications can differ.
What came after the Caterham Seven?
The available vehicle data lists Caterham 7 CSR (for Caterham 7 SV) as a successor where applicable.
What replaced the Caterham Seven?
The available vehicle data lists Caterham 7 CSR (for Caterham 7 SV) as the successor where applicable.
How often should I check the tire pressure on the Caterham Seven?
Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Caterham Seven?
No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Caterham Seven is fully loaded?
It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.
Can the Caterham Seven have different tire pressures front and rear?
Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.
Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Caterham Seven?
Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.