Can you daily drive a Caterham?

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Can you daily drive a Caterham? | REVIEW

Рет қаралды 54,681

Күн бұрын

We find out if you can live with a Caterham as your only car.
Read more at Auto Express:
Caterham 420R review: bit.ly/3V0zG8C
Caterham Seven review: bit.ly/3W20Z3D
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The Caterham Seven is stripped back, hardcore, and unlikely to be your only car. However, our very own Nicola Hume decided to challenge this assumption by living with a 420R model as her daily driver, whatever the weather. She’s been using the dinky British track refugee for Christmas shopping, work trips and even grabbing the odd takeaway, but for its final test, Nicola must hunt down a Christmas tree in time for the festive season. The Caterham has no boot to speak of, so we’ve had to think outside the box…
The Seven has its roots way back in 1957. Designed originally by Lotus founder Colin Chapman nearly 60 years ago, the first Seven looked similar to how it does today, proving that the recipe has remained pure and true to the car’s original values. We’re using the 210bhp 420R for this test, which can sprint from 0-60mph in a scant 3.8 seconds thanks to its 560kg kerb weight.
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Пікірлер: 105

@antonshott7691 Жыл бұрын

I've had a Caterham 7 SV since 2003 as my daily driver 365 days a year. Roof down regardless of weather or temperature, except in heavy rain or snow. Commuted to and from work (17 miles each way, half on country roads) from 2003 untill I was forced to retire in 2015. And still (2023) use it as frequently as I can for any purpose. You CAN daily a Seven!

@Paul-ey1ct 10 ай бұрын

You are number 6

@antonshott7691 10 ай бұрын

Damn - I thought I was number 7! Recently another restriction to daily driving has arrived - the extended ULEZ zone. Being a 2003 car, and also limited volume production/'kit' car, my Seven is automatically assumed by TFL to be non-compliant, and, despite every bit of evidence I can find (and present to TFL) that the K Series engine emissions match or better EU4 standards, including numerous 2003 registered Rover and Lotus cars with the same engine which TFL themselves say are compliant, they refuse to accept anything other than a certificate from the manufacturer as proof. Which, of course, I cannot get as Caterhams only have an IVA test and Rover went out of business in 2006. So now I have to find routes out of the Zone which avoid the SCAMeras, or be forced to pay £12.50 a day...............

@helipeek2736 9 ай бұрын

But, you are e free man

@antonshott7691 9 ай бұрын

@@helipeek2736 True - but my freedom is being curtailed on false evidence - or no ACTUAL evidence at all. And for anyone who believes you can't drive a Seven in Winter, I took mine out today in brilliant but very cold (4-6° C) sunshine, roof down, with the heater and fan both on so I was quite comfortably warm. You do have to dress appropriately: buff round the neck, hoodie, windproof/rainproof jacket over the top, baseball cap (peak used as a sun visor) and cyclist's thinsulate gloves. Toasty..........

@steves5548 Жыл бұрын

Loads of new SUV’s would struggle with a tree that size.I reckon you done good.

@mooferoo Жыл бұрын

Nicola struggling with seats or doors has somehow become my favourite thing in reviews. It's so funny.

@markm0000 Жыл бұрын

The innuendo is off the charts.

@MikeSmith-rd9fi Жыл бұрын

@@markm0000 back doors?

@markm0000 Жыл бұрын

@@MikeSmith-rd9fi bite the pillow

@Iceberg1313 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Nicola, I needed a giggle, it's just been one of those days. Enjoyable as always. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone.

@EuroRory Жыл бұрын

Absolutely hilarious video Nicola. Well done you are a legend. Happy Christmas. Auto Express have found a star in you.

@johnnyboy114 Жыл бұрын

Smiled from start to finish 🤣🤣

@whitemoor66 Жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas Nicola. Looking forward to more of your good humoured reviews next year.

@chassetterfield9559 Жыл бұрын

I once knew someone who used a '7' [pre Caterham Lotus ] as a daily driver. He was 6'4", and used to hang glide, including taking the glider on top. ( Folded & bagged, of course ). I also transported a 7' Swiss Cheese plant in my Midtec Spyder [ also my daily drive for several years, & without even a hood ]. Infinite headroom, and a handy rollbar to strap the 'taller' luggage to.

@misterhoeflak Жыл бұрын

Wonderful! Thanks for all the great reviews and the laughs this year, Nicola and AE team! Merry Christmas 🎄🎅

@annwright9224 Жыл бұрын

I did daily 2 Caterhams for 8 years, then switched to an S2 Elise 111S as a daily for 8 years. Now have an Emira but not using it as a daily.

@barriefoy6642 Жыл бұрын

Nicola, when are you gonna present Top Gear? You've got the perfect sense of humour for that show 😄

@paulwardzynski3265 Жыл бұрын

Good fun Nicola, thank you; enjoy your Christmas now you've got the tree!

@lasse007 Жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas and very entertaining review as always Nicola! At this point it doesn't even matter what the review is, it will be fun and informative

@MrGMawson2438 Жыл бұрын

You are funny Nicola, with the tree 😆

@GinoFoto Жыл бұрын

In all honesty, it wouldn't be any easier with something like 500 Abarth, so in that regard, yeah that car just is reasonably practical.

@AR-zr1om Жыл бұрын

Get the abarth cabriolet

@ericgriffin6698 Жыл бұрын

I've always wanted a Caterham in my retirement, I no longer live in the UK so it's time to make my dream come true. I know what iam getting, a life long wish needs to be concluded, waiting for this to happen since the 1970,s so one can say I've been very patient. Yes, I'm after the 420 I want something bloody quick, it's got a 2.0 lite engine 0/60 in a blink of the eye, watching you drive this baby is wonderful the sound the raw experience is exactly what motoring is all about, roll on next year the wait is driving me nuts. Nice report 🙂👍👍👍👍🇬🇧

@paultaylor9652 Жыл бұрын

Lovely Jubbly video, but Merry Christmas to the funniest car presenter I've ever seen, and a Happy New year too.

@Gorbyrev Жыл бұрын

Well done. If I remember from Henry Catchpole's year in a Seven for Evo the essential purchase is a sailing jacket. Would endorse the recommendation for a Roadsport spec if daily driving is intended. Wonderful machines. Just think of it as camping at speed!

@Ozgrade3 Жыл бұрын

This is what a car review should be, stuff ordinary people can relate to. As much as we'd like to think, not many of us can powerslide around a bend like Lewis Hamilton. So this review is not onlly relatable, but thoroughly entertaining. Well done!

@tonydacosta2273 Жыл бұрын

Hi Nicola. Love your reviews, they are so interesting and entertaining. You are absolutely wonderful and fabulous; thank you for all the great work you do. From a car guy from Montreal, Canada, I wish you and your team a merry Christmas and very happy Hollidays. Best wishes for the new year.

@thomasbonnenberger1365 Жыл бұрын

Merry Xmas Nicola !

@jovceata Жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas Nicola you make my day

@MiniEggs1999 Жыл бұрын

You did it. Tremendous video! Next Christmas Nicola drive a big tractor

@leejordanful Жыл бұрын

Very funny Nicola and the team. You are always fun to watch. Happy Christmas to you all!

@wordreet Жыл бұрын

Best review of xmas tree transport I've ever seen!

@Jonoponomono 8 ай бұрын

Just watched your video after looking at my Caterham in the garage. I was considering going out at -10C for a spin but chickened out due to the crazy Christmas shoppers in pickup trucks here in Canada. Mine has an excellent heater by the way! Keep up the great reviews.

@Shithappenswhenu Жыл бұрын

Nicola never fails to make me laugh! Merry Xmas Auto Express and youtube gang!

@Krovvidii Жыл бұрын

Love your patience buckling up the seat belts

@miltbrand Жыл бұрын

I have always wondered what a Caterham would be like as a daily drive around Christmas. Now I know and I got to know Nicola. What an utterly charming girl she is. Merry Christmas Nicola 🙂

@XX629-Bulldog Жыл бұрын

Of course you can. I daily’d my Westfield for almost two years without a windscreen or doors or roof. Weekly commutes from Watford to York!

@rajchoudhury5130 Жыл бұрын

Love her

@SnakeyUk08 Жыл бұрын

Merry Jollies Nicola and the team hope santa fetches you lots of twiddly doodahs....😆😉

@dariuszg.7448 Жыл бұрын

Watching your video is great start of the day. Merry Xmas and well done to your husband.

@zarodkiewicz Жыл бұрын

I didn't notice an indicator but then I realised it's a British version. We don't need them in the UK. 😜 We have all the time in the world on roundabouts to wait for all the traffic to cross as we don't know where they're going 😁 On another note superb review Nicola. Merry Christmas

@JimBrodie Жыл бұрын

Indys are the toggle switch below the red start button on the middle of the dash. No self cancelling either. =]

@amilhussain9361 4 ай бұрын

Just bought this beauty with my friend. Awesome machine

@stephencavanaugh8377 Жыл бұрын

I daily an ND2 Miata, which to be fair, has considerably more weather protection than the Caterham, but is still not the usual car for middle aged person to daily. I would however love to daily a Caterham and would absolutely do so if given the opportunity.

@waynesimpson2074 Жыл бұрын

HMM, NC2.5 owner here, a Caterham is a step too far to daily drive.

@stephencavanaugh8377 Жыл бұрын

@@waynesimpson2074 I'd give it go. I've also lived for a stretch with just motorcycles as my daily, so a Caterham would still be a step up.

@waynesimpson2074 Жыл бұрын

@@stephencavanaugh8377 yup, done the bike thing when I was young and daft, too risky these days with the volume of traffic. Tòo many friends lost. Cheers.

@PiefacePete46 Жыл бұрын

Clarkson would be proud of you!... and don't forget, the list of cars that you could not have carted the tree in is vast!

@b8tzim767 Жыл бұрын

Looking forward to a comparison test of: Ariel Atom vs. Caterham vs. Morgan 3 Wheeler, with Xmas tree carrying ability, as decisive winning factor...

@AR-zr1om Жыл бұрын

My 40k garage would be an up! GTI 3 door for daily and a suzuki jimny for adventures and dog walks

@richardfoster2021 Жыл бұрын

Yes This would be my Weekend car !!! For the summer when it get here !!

@andypalin3287 4 ай бұрын

I drive an MX5 RF but I still NEED one of these! 😜

@martyn_g Жыл бұрын

People can keep their expensive Supercars, AMG’s, BMW M’s etc., just give me any Caterham!

@markm0000 Жыл бұрын

I will import one to the states and daily drive it to a million miles.

@stephendrane7224 Жыл бұрын

Merry Christmas Nicola.

@ianscott3180 3 ай бұрын

If you have a 7 with a heater have a tonneau cover fitted. In the winter you can leave the passenger side on and be toasty warm. Make sure that you are alone or have a very small passenger. 😂

@lukefarmer4239 5 ай бұрын

You all know by now that Caterham now sells their cars with normal seats and standard 3-point seatbelts. Once again, the media is poking fun at Caterham for only making track-focused cars for most of their life and not showing what a bog-standard "Road" Caterham (like the 360) can do.

@amazingjason455 Жыл бұрын

Please don’t tell my wife how much I enjoyed this video.

@wilgarcia1 5 ай бұрын

Definitely bookmarking this for when I need to convince the wife to let me have one 🤪

@jamiep61 Жыл бұрын

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. One my favourite British Sports Car 😊

@revolutions88 Жыл бұрын

Nicola is literally perfect wife material

@maximiliangisler822 Жыл бұрын

Down atrocious

@muffindell Жыл бұрын

Brilliant, Nicola at her best!

@scott.hamilton 11 ай бұрын

Cracking shaped rear-end on that. 👍

@gmonsen Жыл бұрын

I get it. Grunting every 2 seconds tells everyone how difficult it is to get into a Lotus. Hope this gets better.

@WilliamParmley Жыл бұрын

Nice short throw on the gearbox!

@CardanoETF 3 ай бұрын

friggin love them

@canadiansk8 Жыл бұрын

Shoulda brought it to the track 🎄

@FormulaWhine Жыл бұрын

And what we wanted to see was: how did that huge tree fit in your lounge! 🤣

@MrAshtonunderlyne1 Жыл бұрын

Could you please do review of Nissan x trail e power!

@rocketeer. Жыл бұрын

Why does every “tester” try to daily a Caterham? The car is intended to be a race car that can be driven to and from the track. It is NOT the wagon Queen family truckster! Let it be what it is and if that does not appeal then you don’t want a Caterham.

@ianbarber311 Жыл бұрын

Had to watch 5:52 3 times to realize the shape of the roll cage on top.

@isaillis Жыл бұрын

I've been daily my MGB roadster 20 years I feel I am someone on the road yet I am actually nobody!

@tusker4954 Жыл бұрын

Haha and well done Nichola!

@2NatoStandard 11 ай бұрын

Got a poor man's caterham, a Robin Hood. Got to say, unless it's 20 degrees and perfect sun.. nah I'd rather get the bus 😂 Oh to be seat belt buckle though 😶

@ariescustom 7 ай бұрын

Nice one, Nicola, but Eddie Hall beat you in the absurdity stakes with his Peel P50. All the best in '24...

@rogerbourne4377 Жыл бұрын

Summer car only. Not exactly theft proof. People empty rubbish bins in them.

@PratabAli Жыл бұрын

I'm disappointed in Nicola's rather contained ambition. Look at how long that bonnet is. She could have got a taller tree at least as long as the car. Fold down the windshield, then using a pair of ratchet straps, secured the tree to the bonnet. So a taller tree would rest along the whole length of the car. 😬🤣🤣 Merry Christmas 🎄

@hunczar 7 ай бұрын

coming from daily on a motorcycle, this is far more luxurious. I'm serious.

@martinluke9470 12 күн бұрын

You can walk daily, pushbike daily, motorbike daily in all weathers, so what's the big deal driving a caterham 7 daily. Non story.

@BeanoMark Жыл бұрын

Saabs, Saabs, Saabs. I’d spend it all on Saabs.

@net_news Жыл бұрын

nice back 😍

@8arcbal Жыл бұрын

white tights🙏

@Joseph-jy5lz Жыл бұрын

Fun in the right setting but not a daily pmsl

@helipeek2736 Жыл бұрын

Presumably the addition of a Christmas Tree makes it Fir Wheel Drive?

@Birmingham_racing Жыл бұрын

Just because you could doesn't mean you should

@robertpotton9179 Жыл бұрын

So I guess the tree didn't fit in your flat.

@alunjones2550 Жыл бұрын

It just needs cup-holders and it'll be alright.......

@BOABModels Жыл бұрын

Tree-mendous!

@DarkDeath-yg7nv Жыл бұрын

ho ho ho merry christmas to all great entertainment 👌

@RonK Жыл бұрын

stop the engine. get off the clutch. raise the hand break. NOT the other way round.😃

@williamb4652 Жыл бұрын

*Brake

@justinsmith9948 Жыл бұрын

Where does she think hot air comes from in a car !!!!

@jondonnelly4831 Жыл бұрын

No not really. Saved you 10 mins.

@MrGMawson2438 Жыл бұрын

😆

@yudhabagaskara98 Жыл бұрын

Clarkson, Hammond and May already did the same thing 11 years ago

@yudhabagaskara98 Жыл бұрын

@@robhills2613 James used one. They intentionally avoided Ariel Atom at that time

@shaungorham7959 Жыл бұрын

it's over.

@strokenumber3 Жыл бұрын

Cars? Boring. Journos? Wannabes. Videos combining the two? Very tedious.

@advancelast1740 Жыл бұрын

“Dailying”? Really? FFS use proper English

@singlecell2498 Жыл бұрын

That's a bit ironic

@1silvervespa Жыл бұрын

Not playing I'll be home for Christmas ..... What poor audio .... Try harder.

@1silvervespa Жыл бұрын

I KNOW COMMON SENSE IS NOT SO COMMON ANYMORE ......