*Guess what i test drove today?*
Discussion
...and trust me, it looks even better in the flesh (or should I say Carbon Fibre)
...and trust me, it looks even better in the flesh (or should I say Carbon Fibre)
A very nice and enthusiastic Mr John Lockwood from 'London Group' dealers came to see me today, and kindly brought me down the 2nd car off the production line to see what I thought.
I have to say that it is stunning to look at with some fresh styling details, but I was most impressed with the quality of finish throughout the car for such a small and new company. The leather quality is good due to using the same tailors as Aston Martin and the touch-screen display computer seems brilliant as it controls everything from one place which keeps things simple and focused in the cabin. Climate control, air-con, DAB radio, ipod control and Bluetooth phone control are all easy to read and operate! The added bonus of a boot is nice too, which is a fair size for this kind of car and would be big enough for a couple of weekend bags or a set of golf clubs. (if that’s what you’re into)
Then, the important bit.....turn the key and the first thing you notice is that the engine seems even nearer to you than in the Noble. It's not much louder but just different sounding?! This model is a naturally aspirated 3ltr Duratec, not the supercharged version (which is still in development) which to be honest was a little disappointing with regards to power, as it lacked that excitement and punch out of corners. The chassis really does deserve so much more. (Hurry up with that supercharger)! The Farbio is very well balanced and positive through the bends; it rides bumps very well on country lanes and uneven surfaces, and thanks to the AP brakes all round it feels solid and confident inspiring when braking late into a corner.
It feels like a grown up Noble to me with a few more interior toys including air con that works! The seats are very comfortable and supportive and the driving position is good. The accelerator pedal was a bit too stiff and jerky and felt like the cable needed a good lubricating to free it up, but other than that it was a very enjoyable drive!
If Farbio does build this car with a supercharged engine, I think it will be a very promising alternative to the new Noble, and at only £70k it could be less expensive too!
...and trust me, it looks even better in the flesh (or should I say Carbon Fibre)
A very nice and enthusiastic Mr John Lockwood from 'London Group' dealers came to see me today, and kindly brought me down the 2nd car off the production line to see what I thought.
I have to say that it is stunning to look at with some fresh styling details, but I was most impressed with the quality of finish throughout the car for such a small and new company. The leather quality is good due to using the same tailors as Aston Martin and the touch-screen display computer seems brilliant as it controls everything from one place which keeps things simple and focused in the cabin. Climate control, air-con, DAB radio, ipod control and Bluetooth phone control are all easy to read and operate! The added bonus of a boot is nice too, which is a fair size for this kind of car and would be big enough for a couple of weekend bags or a set of golf clubs. (if that’s what you’re into)
Then, the important bit.....turn the key and the first thing you notice is that the engine seems even nearer to you than in the Noble. It's not much louder but just different sounding?! This model is a naturally aspirated 3ltr Duratec, not the supercharged version (which is still in development) which to be honest was a little disappointing with regards to power, as it lacked that excitement and punch out of corners. The chassis really does deserve so much more. (Hurry up with that supercharger)! The Farbio is very well balanced and positive through the bends; it rides bumps very well on country lanes and uneven surfaces, and thanks to the AP brakes all round it feels solid and confident inspiring when braking late into a corner.
It feels like a grown up Noble to me with a few more interior toys including air con that works! The seats are very comfortable and supportive and the driving position is good. The accelerator pedal was a bit too stiff and jerky and felt like the cable needed a good lubricating to free it up, but other than that it was a very enjoyable drive!
If Farbio does build this car with a supercharged engine, I think it will be a very promising alternative to the new Noble, and at only £70k it could be less expensive too!
NickyTwoHats said:
sorry...it's just not good looking.
ETS - Sorry! Was a bit drunk. Thanks for the write up. Has it tempted you?
I would only be tempted 'IF' it had another 100+bhp as stated in the write up. But as it stands right now, i'm better off keeping Noble as it is SOOOOO much fun! ETS - Sorry! Was a bit drunk. Thanks for the write up. Has it tempted you?
Edited by NickyTwoHats on Saturday 31st May 09:20
NobleGuy said:
There are opinions out there that it just isn't quick enough though, especially for £60K. Buy a good Noble for £27.5, spend £17.5K on upgrades, still have £15K left over and be twice as quick to 100mph. Or am I missing something?
I totaly agree with you there.... But if they can produce a Supercharged version with about 400bhp for 70k then that might be an option for some?Never the less, it is great that a new small british company can put together a well built, good handling and good looking car for us to be proud of. !(IT JUST NEEDS MORE POWER)!
Come on Mr Marsh, stick a Roush engine in it....
Edited by Twerlie on Saturday 31st May 10:40
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