If you’re looking to get a taste of the track for a reasonable price take a look at the Caterham Seven 160 ($24,250-$29,100). The newest Caterham can be purchased as a kit or fully built. In order to reach the low price point the 160 had to shed a little power. The Seven 160 is powered by an 80-hp 660cc Suzuki three cylinder turbo engine which reaches 79 foot pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. It has a five-speed transmission, can reach 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds and has a max speed of 100-mph. Obviously performance isn’t the 160’s high point, but it does get marks for handling. It has a live-axle rear suspension used in early Seven models and weighs a slim 1,080 pounds so the horses per ton are relatively high. The 160 is something unique for the entry level market. Caterham will begin production in January 2014.
