Caterham Superlight (2010 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

The R500 is to Caterham what the 911 GT3 is to Porsche. In short, it’s a street-legal racing car that would give many supercars a run for their money, but for a fraction of the price. Carbon fibre body panels, start button ignition, race harness’ and the lack of a windscreen gives it a more extreme demeanour than the rest of the Caterham line-up.

Our rating: 3

2. Interior

For those upgrading from one of the other models in the Caterham range, be prepared. The R500 is a completely different animal.  Despite retaining the minimalist design Caterham has become famous for, the dash layout is completely changed. It features aluminium controls replacing the plastic switchgear in other models, and a keyless immobiliser fob and starter button. The tiny steering wheel is similar to that of the Ferrari 458 Italia with indicator buttons on it, which aren’t ideally placed and fiddly to use if trying to indicate and steer simultaneously. Both the driver and passenger sit snugly in the figure hugging seats, strapped in by race harness seat belts.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

The R500 carries over many of the impracticalities inherent throughout the Caterham range, in short, limited cabin space. If you’re taking it away for the weekend, then you’ll need to send your luggage on ahead as there’s a tiny boot, only really useful for a helmet bag – and you will need a helmet, as a windscreen is an optional extra. As for cabin space for occupants, it’s much the same story, the seats are figure hugging and aren’t ideal for the fuller figured or tall.

Our rating: 1

4. Ride and handling

This is a car to be enjoyed in short bursts, rather than to be used as an everyday run-a-round. The firm ride and wind, road and engine noise will get irritating on long motorway journeys. It’s better suited to more aggressive use on race tracks. Its lightweight body, which can be lightened further with carbon fibre optional extras, makes it agile and it’s steering is responsive. Although the lack of power steering means maneuvering at low speeds can be hard work. But its race car handling is one of the reasons it’s got such a cult following.

Our rating: 5

5. Performance

Power takes the form of a 2-litre four-cylinder Ford Duratec unit which pumps out 263bhp. When put in a car that weighs just over 500kg, it results in a power to weight ratio of 526bhp per tonne, a smidge under that of the 1,001bhp Bugatti Veyron. That means a 0-62mph time that would shame many supercars, of around three seconds, and it will reach 0-100mph quicker than a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. Top speed is a more than impressive 150mph. We drove the R500 with the optional sequential gearbox, which at around £3,000 is an expensive add-on. Oddly, it comes with a clutch which should be used when pulling away and on downshifts. Once up and running it provides lightning fast gear changes. Alternatively a six-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard.

Our rating: 5

6. Running costs

Drive the Caterham conservatively and it’ll return a combined economy of 25mpg but, realistically, it’ll be well below this, as it’s a car that wants to be driven at pace. The R500 is a more specialist machine meaning residuals won’t be as strong as some of the less extreme models in the line-up. Service intervals are every six months and a three-year service plan costs just £765.

Our rating: 4

7. Reliability

Performance cars like the Caterham normally live hard lives, so as a general rule, it needs a lot more TLC than more mainstream alternatives. The engines, however, have proved reliable, but regular maintenance checks are advised. You’ll also need a garage too to keep it secure (as there are no door locks or even a roof) and to keep it out of the elements.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

This isn’t a car for the faint of heart. Push it beyond the limits of grip and it’ll be pretty unforgiving, with none of the safety aids you’ll find in more mainstream models. There’s no traction control, stability control, airbags or anti lock brakes, so when the heavens open, it’s probably best to leave it tucked up in the garage.

Our rating: 1

9. Equipment

The standard Caterham is limited on equipment, but this is a car that’s stripped back even further in the interest of shedding weight. So don’t expect any creature comforts with the R500. Even a windscreen is an optional extra, meaning a helmet is required on long motorway journeys.

Our rating: 2

10. Why buy?

The R500 is motoring in its purest form. It may warrant a hefty price tag, especially for a car that doesn’t have a windscreen, but if you are looking for extreme motoring in every sense of the word then the R500 is definitely worth considering.

Our rating: 5