Long Trips in Atom

[Ots7]

Morning/Evening all,

I am looking to get an Atom next year. I have been on the fence for a while whether a Caterham or Atom, and I’m 90% sure I’ll go this route.

A question That floats on my head is; can the atom handle long road trips. I was thinking (obviously weather permitting) driving from south coast of UK to Le Man or Monaco. I understand it’s no GT, but wondered what the car is like with some miles.

Thanks!

[markwetherall]

I do an annual trip in my Atom 4 to Anglesey from Jersey down the A roads. Normally takes about 12 hours, I have driven to Spa which takes around 9 hours and I find the Atom brilliant for a long drive. No back ache, main recommendation is decent sound deadening headphones. It is a bit grim when raining, and after 6 hours in the rain it can be a bit tiresome. It is much better than a Caterham on a long drive and certainly better than a Lotus Elise on a long drive. I personally love a long drive in mine

[Ots7]

Love that! That’s some driving. Have you enough space for a weekend bag and a passenger (I.e a Mrs)?

[markwetherall]

No problems. Pack light in waterproof rucksacks and the Mrs rests here legs on them. Took my Son away in my old 3 for a week around Belgium a few years ago. No problems apart from the rain for a day but still managed nearly 1500 miles in it.

[robfitz]

I admire Mark, they obviously breed them tough on Jersey. I guess there is no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothing, I wouldn’t underestimate how cold you can get when the weather turns if you aren’t wearing the right stuff (which I clearly wasn’t). Caterhams have heaters . It is definitely comfortable for a long stint though.

[markwetherall]

I learnt very quickly about clothing. I now have Motorbike wet weathers and used heated clothes for a while but found a motorbike suit was better. Done various trips in the winter in my old 3. I now just stick with Summer trips

[Preseh]

I found my Atom more comfortable than the Caterham I used to own but definitely colder. Side panels will help though.

[Ots7]

Thanks for your input guys; much appreciated.

I now need to make up my mind whether it’s atom 3 or 4 I go for….. mine field

[markwetherall]

If your budget allows go for a 4 everyday

[Ots7]

I’ve always been drawn to the supercharged noise. Any personal reasons why you suggest the 4?

[markwetherall]

Having owned both the 3 (20k Miles) and a 4 (8k miles) the 4 is much better apart from the noise. However the torque more than makes up for it and unbelievable on both road and track. You can really tell that the 4 is a much more modern car. So much so I am about to get my 2nd Atom 4 early next year after having had my last 4 for 3 years decided I needed another one with different toys on it. However saying that you wont go wrong with a 3 or 3.5 either. Just so much fun

[Corky]

Love that! That’s some driving. Have you enough space for a weekend bag and a passenger (I.e a Mrs)?

Kayak bags strapped to the outside of the frame increases luggage capacity. Me and my daughter did camping for 4 nights at Silverstone F1 in mine, tent and all, beer and food.

https://www.over-board.co.uk/collection ... ltr-yellow

[AlanP]

I did a trip to Sicily in my 3. From home to Sevenoaks to Zurich, just under 700 miles in one day. The car was faultless, the seats completely comfortable all day long. The only lesson learned was leave the helmets at home, they take up too much space. On the return I flew to Catania to pick the car up with a mate and didn't bother bringing the helmets. The passenger footwell was a bit full of spare pants, otherwise no issues at all.
A

[Ots7]

Hi Alan,

I see your an owner of a “3”, are you still happy with it? Interesting you talk about not having a helmet on the trip. Do you wear any head protection I.e a hat and glasses?

[jpswift]

ive been to europe 3 times this year, the atom is brill.

as others have said, is surprisingly comfy.

i tend to blast through the northern busy shite on the autoroute to Arras ish........... then epic d roads all the way !