Can you daily drive a Caterham? | REVIEW

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
SUBSCRIBE for more new car reviews and Steve Sutcliffe track tests: aex.ae/2gY9ABE
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.
Would you like to receive the latest car news, reviews, features, pictures and videos in your e-mail inbox three times a week? The Auto Express e-mail newsletter delivers exactly that, it's free and it takes seconds to sign up: aex.ae/2ml5DOf
More Auto Express videos:
Car reviews playlist: aex.ae/2gY4ViX
Track battle playlist: aex.ae/2U8yvdf
Car news playlist: aex.ae/3vyKA8G
Follow us
Twitter: / autoexpress
Facebook: / autoexpress
Instagram: / autoexpressmagazine

[@antonshott7691]

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!

[@steves5548]

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

[@mooferoo]

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

[@rocketeer.]

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.

[@annwright9224]

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.

[@johnnyboy114]

Smiled from start to finish 🤣🤣

[@zarodkiewicz]

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

[@lukefarmer4239]

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.

[@Iceberg1313]

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

[@barriefoy6642]

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

[@EuroRory]

Absolutely hilarious video Nicola. Well done you are a legend. Happy Christmas.

[@chassetterfield9559]

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 ).

[@whitemoor66]

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

[@misterhoeflak]

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

[@paulwardzynski3265]

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

[@mrmawson2438]

You are funny Nicola, with the tree 😆

[@lasse007]

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

[@tonydacosta2273]

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.

[@paultaylor9652]

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

[@ericgriffin6698]

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.