Currently reading: Tokyo motor show: Caterham CSR
Sports car firm is one of only three European manufacturers at next week's show

The entry-level Caterham CSR model is at the Tokyo motor show.

The Caterham CSR 175 uses the same 175bhp 2.0-litre Duratec engine found in the Seven Roadsport and officially it has been billed as for Japan only, despite receiving pan-European homologation.

A Caterham source has told Autocar that the model hints at a similar model likely to go on-sale in Europe in the future, however, and it would become the entry level model in the CSR range.

The CSR Caterhams feature a more sophisticated suspension system than other Seven cars, which includes inboard dampers and a fully independent double wishbone set-up at the rear. The chassis is based on that of the wide-bodied SV, while it also gets an upgraded, more luxurious interior and a new dashboard.

Three Caterham CSRs are currently on-sale in the UK. All are equipped with the 2.3-litre Cosworth engine, with prices starting at £33,995 for the 200bhp version. The 175 model would undercut this in the UK by around £4000.

The CSR 175 will be the first CSR Caterham to go on-sale in Japan. The models are imported by Premium Cars Import, which has been Caterham’s Japanese supplier since January.

Caterham is also displaying its Superlight R300 and Roadsport models in Japan for the first time at Tokyo.

Mark Tisshaw

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