Caterham launches the new Seven 170, its lightest production car yet

Caterham has unveiled the new Seven 170, its lightest ever production car.

That's right. The new model weighs in at only a little over 440kg, staying rightly true to Colin Chapman's matra of "simplify and add lightness".

But a low weight is not all that’s on offer here. With the Caterham Seven 170 only measuring 1,470mm in width, this new Seven continues to slip under the Japanese Kei car regulations. A point which might come handy given that the firm was recently acquired by automotive group VT Holdings, which is headquartered in Japan.

Powering the Caterham Seven 170 is a 660cc turbocharged Suzuki engine pumping out 84bhp and 116Nm of torque. Those figures, combined with the low weight, allow the car to complete the zero to 100km/h sprint in just 6.9 seconds. Top speed meanwhile, is simply said to exceed 161km/h.

A live rear axle suspension and some skinny Avon ZT7 155-section tyres point to some lively handling.

Shoppers will get to choose between two packs: The road-ready 170S or stripped back, more track-focused 170R.

The 170S is designed for the more laid-back driver. It comes with a five-speed gearbox, the road suspension pack, 14-inch Silver Juno alloy wheels, a full windscreen and weather gear including a hood and side screen, black leather seats, a Momo steering wheel and in a choice of four paint colours.

While the 170R, an additional variant not previously available on the Seven 160, comes with a five-speed gearbox, the sport suspension pack, 14-inch Black Juno alloy wheels, composite race seats, a four-point race harness, limited-slip differential, Momo steering wheel, carbon-fibre dashboard and four paint options.

As with many previous Caterhams, the Seven 170 will be available both factory built, or as a complete kit.