Caterham Seven 620S added to line-up

The Caterham 620S has been added to the brand’s model range, for the first time offering the wide-bodied S5 chassis with the performance of the 620R.

While the 620R offers little in the way of creature comforts, the S pack which turns it into a 620S provides basic roadgoing features, including a full windscreen, hood and side screens.

A larger fuel tank improves the range of the 620S, while luggage space is also increased to aid daily-driving appeal. The 620S is also the first Caterham model to be offered with heated seats; heated carbon seats are a £995 cost option.

The S pack also brings a more road-friendly suspension set-up, while the limited-slip differential and brake master cylinder of the 620R remain. For added comfort, road-friendly 15in wheels with different tyres replace the 13in wheels of the 620R.

The 620S shares the 620R's supercharged four-cylinder 310bhp Ford Duratec engine, but it is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox, in place of the six-speed sequential transmission used on the 620R. A top speed of 145mph is quoted, and 0-60mph is dispatched in 3.4 seconds aided by a power-to-weight ratio of 508bhp per tonne.

Caterham is quick to point out that the 620S maintains its lightweight ethos, with liberal use of carbon fibre inside, and the 620R’s lightweight flywheel contributing to the car’s feathery 610kg kerb weight.

Prices for the 620S start at £44,995, with Caterham stating that first deliveries of the new model will arrive later in 2016.