IT'S ONE of the UK's most iconic sports cars and now there are three new versions of the Caterham Seven taking the choice for wind-in-the-hair enthusiasts to five distinct models, with power outputs from 80 to 310bhp and top speeds from 100 to 155mph.

The new Seven 270, 360 and 480 are all available in the UK immediately replacing the Roadsport and Superlight models. The company says that the introduction of the new variants simplifies the range to comprise five core models.

The newcomers sit between the existing entry level and range-topping models - the Seven 160 and the supercharged 620R, the most powerful production Seven ever built.

The new versions of the stripped-down speedster stick to Caterham's brand mantra of delivering 'accessible fun' through the company's traditional minimalistic, lightweight approach to sportscar engineering. Prices of the new range start at £18,995 and rise to £49,995.

Don't expect to see a lengthy list of standard kit - you'll get cloth adjustable seats and a Motolita steering wheel, and that's about it.

But for those who like a little more comfort, any Seven can now be ordered with a new "luxury" S pack - geared towards the casual road driver, says Caterham - which includes creature comforts such as a fully-carpeted cockpit, full windscreen, hood and side screens, a heater and leather seats plus alloy wheels and suspension tuned for road use.

It's highly likely, however, that most buyers will opt for the new R pack which is more track-focused and adds a limited-slip differential, sports suspension, a four-point race harness and exclusive lightweight 15" alloy wheels. For those with pure track driving in mind, a 13" alloy wheel is available as an option which comes with an upgraded suspension geometry set-up to ensure the ultimate in race track handling.

Says Caterham Cars CEO, Graham Macdonald: "Caterham Cars has been making exciting sportscars accessible to driving enthusiasts for over 40 years.

"Now, with our all-new, simplified model line-up and equipment packages, we feel we have a Seven for everyone, whether your perfect drive is a Sunday drive through the countryside or a hardcore blast around a race track."