02 Apr 07
But alongside the R400 sits the Sigma Roadsport, so named because of the Ford Sigma engine - similar to that found in a Focus - that powers it. It's available in the Caterham in two tuning levels: 150bhp, which gives a 0-60mph time of 5.0seconds and a 122mph top speed; or 125bhp, good for 112mph and will crack 60mph in 5.9seconds.
In Caterham terms, that might seem a little slow - the CSR reaches 60mph in half the time of the 125bhp Sigma - but 5.9seconds is still quicker than any hot hatch. And while the top speed is 'low', tell me the last time you had the opportunity to go any faster.
But first I have to perform the strange entry procedure required for getting into a Caterham.
This entails faffing about with the seatbelt harnesses for a good few minutes; stepping over the side-mounted exhaust on to the seat; wriggling yourself down into the cockpit; fiddling around more with the seatbelts until they're finally secure; then tightening up so you don't move around. Then I reach under the dash to find the key, before pressing the dash-mounted starter button to fire up the engine that sits just in front of your legs.
