Driver Magazine - Issue 2 of 3 2025 - Magazine - Page 28
THE INTERIOR
When you think of Caterham cars, you don’t necessarily think of comfort and luxury. With the CSR Twenty, though, you
can think of them. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of more comfortable cars out there, but compared to other
Sevens, the CSR Twenty is definitely more suited to longer road trips.
You’ve got quilted leather seats with the CSR Twenty logo on full display. These are trimmed with red stitching. The
gearstick and handbrake gaiters are finished in Alcantara, and you’ve got a satin carbon dash with bespoke dials too.
The leather Momo steering wheel has no buttons, no fancy dials; it’s a simple steering wheel used for steering and nothing
else.
REAL WORLD DRIVING
While the idea of daily driving a Caterham is crazy for some, the CSR Twenty makes a decent case for it, at least in good
weather. I drove it on motorways, on B-roads, through villages, and to and from work every day, and it handled it all with a
surprising level of civility.
That said, this is still undeniably a Caterham. You sit practically on the floor, it’s loud (side-mounted exhaust right next to
the driver's seat), and there’s not much in the way of insulation from wind or road noise.
During my seven days with the CSR Twenty, it never once felt temperamental. It didn’t complain about cold starts, or
driving at speed, or being driven slowly through my village.
I have two little girls, so this car was never going to be practical for me. However, as a fun toy to bomb around in at the
weekend, I think it's perfect.
MY WEEK WITH THE CSR TWENTY
The Caterham Seven CSR Twenty gave me everything I love about Caterham in a slightly more refined, more usable
package, without compromising the raw, race-like fun that defines the brand.
If I had £80,000 to spend on a car that I could take to the track but also take on longer road trips, the Caterham Seven CSR
Twenty would likely be my choice.
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