Skip advert
Advertisement
Road tests

Radical SR1 Cup review

We get behind the wheel of the thrilling track-only Radical SR1 Cup two-seater

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Radical SR1
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

You can’t deny how thrilling the SR1 is from behind the wheel, and for a select few it will prove to be the perfect way in to competitive racing. But its appeal is limited for the majority of people. The price tag – as good value as it is for this kind of car – is simply too expensive for something you can only use at a racing circuit.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you’re looking for an easy way in to competitive racing, the Radical SR1 Cup could be it.

The car itself costs £29,850, but spend £37,500 and you also get a full race suit, training for your racing licence and entry to eight competitive races against other SR1 buyers around the UK.

If you’re thinking trackday toy, then you should ramp up your expectations a bit, because this is an out-and-out racing car. It’s powered by a 185bhp 1.3-litre Suzuki engine, mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox. The result is 0-60mph in a Ferrari FF-beating 3.6 seconds.

Shifting up through the gears instantly, with just a slight lift of the accelerator and a short tug on the gearlever, is incredible.

But it’s the cornering that blows you away. The aerodynamics mean the SR1 gets pushed down into the tarmac at high speeds, and it can pull 2.3g through fast bends. That’s over double what the Lamborghini Aventador is capable of.

And with your head exposed to the elements, you quickly find there are few driving experiences as thrilling. The eight races would surely be even more exciting.

The SR1 isn’t sensible: it can’t be used on the road and has no function outside the track. But anyone taking the plunge will get enjoyment that’s otherwise impossible to find at this price.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,584
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,877
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle
Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona - front end

Vauxhall Mokka vs Hyundai Kona: small hybrid SUVs in a big battle

Hybrid newcomers slug it out for family buyers’ hearts and minds
Car group tests
12 Jul 2025