Skip advert
Advertisement

Caterham Seven SV 1.0 EcoBoost

The Caterham Seven SV gets the new hi-tech engine from the Ford Focus

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Caterham 7
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

Ford's excellent 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has already wowed us in the new B-MAX and Fiesta, and it shows yet more versatility here. The little three-cylinder punches hard in the lightweight Caterham, mixing strong acceleration with a great soundtrack. And there’s more power to come, so expect the engine to grace a high-performance Ford very soon.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In an effort to show the sporting potential of its award-winning three-cylinder turbocharged engine, Ford has fitted it to a Caterham Seven SV.

This is the same engine that’s available in the Fiesta and new B-MAX, so it comes with 118bhp and 200Nm of torque, although Ford claims the power could be increased.

This version of the Caterham is normally fitted with a 1.6-litre engine and, although it may appear as if you’re losing out with the 1.0-litre, the power is exactly the same. In fact, the smaller engine delivers 55Nm more torque.

The car hasn’t been fully tested yet, so there are no official 0-60mph times, but with the 1.6-litre Seven completing the sprint in 6.2 seconds, a time of six seconds flat is likely. From the driver’s seat, this car is every bit as fast as the standard SV.

The free-revving nature of the EcoBoost engine fits well in the lightweight chassis – total weight is just 588kg – so the added torque translates into a substantial shove in the back. There’s an addictive three-cylinder warble, although it’s hard to hear with a helmet on and the wind rushing past.

As with all Caterhams, this is a proper back-to-basics machine, and masses of fun. The tiny steering wheel, matched with short-throw gearchanges, gives you a real sense that you are driving an old-fashioned sports car, while ultra-direct steering and a low-slung driving position mean everything feels 20mph quicker than it actually is.

Although it’s merely a bit of fun for Ford – there are no plans to put a 1.0-litre Seven on sale – it proves just how versatile this remarkable little engine is.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,879 off RRP*Used from £15,611
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025