Ariel Atom 4 Full Review: Unfiltered Power, Unmatched Thrills
Watch Vicki Butler-Henderson and Gordon Shedden give their verdict on the Ariel Atom 4:
In this review, Vicki Butler-Henderson and Gordon Shedden take a deep dive into the Ariel Atom 4, a British-built, two-seater that strips driving down to its raw essentials. With no doors, no windows, and no roof, the Atom 4 embraces minimalism like few cars on the market. But don’t be fooled by its stripped-back design, underneath, it packs a serious punch. With a turbocharged engine borrowed from Honda’s Civic Type-R, the Atom 4 is one of the most thrilling vehicles you can experience on the road or track. Starting at £51,500 and with optional extras taking it up to £87,000, this lightweight rocket promises a pure and raw driving experience that can challenge even supercars.
Specifications:
Price: From £51,500 (up to £87,000 with options)
Engine: 2.0-litre Honda turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: Available in 320 BHP or 350 BHP
Weight: Approx. 595 kg
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds
Transmission: Six-speed manual (optional sequential gearbox)
Top Speed: Just over 160 mph
Design & Exterior
The Ariel Atom 4’s design is all about functionality. Its exposed exoskeleton, crafted from high-strength steel and aluminium, ensures rigidity while keeping the weight impressively low. With its open-wheeled, aggressive look, the Atom 4 is unmistakably built for the track. The visible double wishbone suspension provides maximum control, making the car incredibly nimble and responsive. Weighing just 595 kg, the Atom 4 is light on its feet and ready to tackle any road or circuit with ease.
Interior & Features
Inside, the Atom 4 is as stripped-down as the exterior suggests. There are no carpets, no stereo, and no glove box—but for a touch of practicality, there’s a small storage compartment tucked in the nose. You also get a smartphone mount and a reversing camera, making it slightly more user-friendly. For track enthusiasts, an optional circuit lap-timer with brake pressure overlay is available, providing vital data for your next track day. The seats are designed with ergonomic support in mind, ensuring comfort during high-speed drives. This car is all about the essentials, with every control within easy reach, designed purely with the driver in mind.
Tyre Talk - Featuring Yokohama tyres
The Ariel Atom 4 runs on 16-inch front wheels and 17-inch rear wheels, equipped with high performance Yokohama Advan A052 tyres. These road-legal competition tyres are built for serious enthusiasts, offering incredible grip whether you're on the road or at the track.
Designed to handle both wet and dry conditions, they give you confidence no matter what the weather throws at you. With their asymmetric tread and competition-grade construction, they’re all about maximising stability and precision. Built with grip that puts you ahead of the competition and keeps you there, whether you’re attacking corners or pushing the car to its limits on the straights.
Performance & Handling
At the heart of the Atom 4 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine sourced from Honda’s Civic Type-R, delivering up to 350 BHP. With a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 2.8 seconds, this car is built for pure performance. The six-speed manual gearbox provides a tight, engaging driving experience, though a sequential gearbox is available for those seeking the ultimate track-day thrill. Braking is managed by AP Racing brakes, offering excellent stopping power—but without ABS, you may require a skilled touch. The lack of power steering ensures that the steering is direct, giving the driver an unfiltered connection to the road.
On the Track
The Ariel Atom 4 is truly at home on the track, where its ultra-lightweight frame and precise handling shine. Equipped with Öhlins suspension and adjustable dampers, it offers razor-sharp handling and exceptional grip, allowing you to carve through corners with confidence. The combination of its remarkable power-to-weight ratio and high-performance tyres makes the Atom 4 a serious contender on any circuit, delivering an adrenaline-packed driving experience with every lap.
On the Road
While the Atom 4 is a track-focused machine, it’s also road-legal and offers an equally engaging experience on public roads. Its direct steering, agile handling, and raw power provide a thrilling drive in real-world conditions. Whether you’re navigating a twisty country lane or enjoying a spirited blast on a weekend drive, the Atom 4 is sure to keep you fully engaged. However, its minimalist design means comfort takes a back seat—you’ll feel every part of the journey in this uncompromising driving machine.
Vicki & Gordon's Verdict
Vicki and Gordon have high praise for the Ariel Atom 4. Despite its minimalist, track-focused design, they find it to be one of the most exhilarating cars on the market. While it’s not built for daily comfort, its raw driving experience and outstanding performance make it an essential for any true car enthusiast.
“No matter the weather, I can guarantee this will be one of the most fun machines you’ll ever drive.” – Vicki Butler-Henderson
“For me, the one word that describes this car is pure. It’s a back-to-basics, all-action machine with nothing extra—just what you need. The fun and thrill factor is off the scale.” – Gordon Shedden
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