What is it?
Westfield has smoothed the edges of its exhilarating Sport Turbo 3 thanks to a newly designed chassis and wishbones, a new, Mazda-sourced five-speed manual gearbox and differential and a revised interior. Westfield has also altered the car’s suspension geometry.
Like the outgoing model, the Sport Turbo 3 is powered by the same 200bhp 1.6-litre turbo unit you’ll find in the Vauxhall Corsa VXR, and this in a car that weighs just 650kg. That means the ST3 will accelerate to 60mph from standing in just 4.5sec; line it up next to a V8-powered Audi R8 and you'll need a photo finish to establish the winner to 60mph.
What's it like?
Blistering performance aside, the Sport Turbo 3 is surprisingly comfortable and easy to drive. Mazda’s short-throw five-speed ’box is as precise you’d expect and the engine's 192lb ft of torque figure, makes the ST very usable at lower speeds.
The steering is nicely weighted, direct and accurate, and fine balance through corners is another plus. The rear wheels light up instantly with a prod of power, but it’s very predictable; driving the Westfield on its grip limits is surprisingly effortless.
When you do explore the Wesfield's rev range, the accompanying whistle from the 1600's turbocharger and high-pitched burble from the model's carbonfibre exhaust silencer is an intoxicating experience all of its own.
Inside the revised model you’ll find a nicely finished dashboard plus a reach and rake-adjustable steering wheel. The roof now has easier-to-use clip on fixings at the rear and the rear window can now be left in the boot if desired.
Should I buy one?
The Sport Turbo 3 is a rapid and capable weekend toy. It's also surprisingly easy to drive and pleasantly comfortable. And while it may not match the Caterham 7 Superlight R300 in terms of its handling delicacy, the Westfield certainly won’t disappoint the driving enthusiast.
Westfield Sport Turbo 3
Price £26,500; 0-60mph 4.5sec; Top speed 142mph; Economy 37mpg (combined); CO2 176g/km; Kerb weight 650kg; Engine 4 cyls, 1598cc, turbo, petrol; Power 200bhp at 5850rpm; Torque 192lb ft at 2000rpm; Gearbox 5-spd manual
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74-324 || A00-240 || CAT-260
74-324 || A00-240 || CAT-260 || CAT-280 || CCA-332 || CCB-400 || COG-703 || MB6-886 || MB6-885 || MB6-889
Quick!
I remember driving a Lotus seven or was it Super seven back in the mid-sixties. That was quick. This must be amazing! And it really was a Lotus. Standard OHV Ford engine. Not even the cross flow. The good old days? Not really. Never had any money! Just a teenage mechanic. Cars much better now in most ways. Regards.