Caterham resumes Australian sales
The Caterham brand is officially back on sale in 2020 following a two-year hiatusCaterham has announced it will resume sales in Australia following a two-year absence due to tighter emissions regulations.
The British-built Caterham line-up will be pared back from four models to three in 2020 as a result of new WLTP regulations in Europe. The main culprit is the previous Seven 355 model, which has been discontinued despite big plans for Caterham in Australia.
“Due to a combination of the typically long production lead times and the introduction of the new WLTP emissions regulations in Europe, it has taken some time to obtain Australian compliance approval,” a press release said this week.
“This has now been achieved and a rationalised model range is now available in Australia.”
Anchoring the line-up as before is the Caterham 275 (pictured), priced from $73,700 (plus on-road costs). It is powered by a 100kW/160Nm 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder tied to a five-speed manual transmission.
With the Seven 355 discontinued, the Seven 485 now occupies the middle rung, priced at $114,000 plus on-road costs.
The Seven 485 employs a more powerful 177kW/206Nm 2.0-litre petrol mated to a manual; nought to 100km/h in notched in a claimed 3.9 seconds courtesy of its 700kg mass.
The flagship Seven CSR ($115,000 plus on-road costs) now uses the same 177kW 2.0-litre instead of the predecessor’s 127kW engine, bringing dry sump lubrication, a limited-slip differential, adjustable suspension, full weather equipment, leather seat trim, an electrically heated windscreen, heater and 12-volt socket.
The additional $1000 outlay for the Seven CSR brings inboard front suspension, an adjustable front anti-roll bar (485 S has it on the rear), aero shape front wishbones, aero shape front guards, fully independent wishbone rear suspension and 15-inch wheels.
Both models are also equipped with Avon ZZS tyres, with a special soft compound to suit the characteristics of Caterhams.
Caterham’s Australian operation will continue to work solely out of a Melbourne dealership, with the ability to deliver vehicles around the country.
Caterham Seven 485 S - $114 000
Caterham Seven CSR - $115 000
*Prices exclude on-road costs
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