NewsBiscuit Car Review: The F-Rage (Independent supplier)

Just appalling.

This appears to be a one-off vanity project which is more of a concept rather than a practical solution to peoples actual needs. It runs badly, struggles in any condition apart from its own carefully crafted environment where it can do no wrong.

The F-Rage is meant to imply aggression and power but instead looks dated and is clearly a compensation vehicle.

The company itself has changed names several times, which doesn’t exactly scream reliability. The sales splurge made many promises, and it has failed to meet any practically. Some of the internals are purchased through Russian suppliers which should be a massive concern.

As for aesthetics, it is clearly references the older times, unfortunately taking the worst aspects of it. It does get positive reviews from people who believe the publicity and don’t really look at the details and its poor performance, and might do well because of that. It does not meet EU safety and environmental regulations and weirdly takes some sort of pride in not doing so. It would be a nightmare to run in London, more suited to rolling up a gravel drive and belching out filth.

Despite the promises of unbelievable performance, the figures indicate it will be uneconomical and end up breaking apart. Fixing it is practically impossible, it is mainly made up from used, broken scraps that are already past their time.

Because of single bloody mindedness, there will be no European version, the user must be sat to the right no matter how dangerous that may be.

Pros

A great talking point

Easily identifies the gullible

Cons

Rather than separate cons, it is just one big one.

An absolute menace with no redeeming features.

Image: Author's own

MOT changes: a photo probably isn't enough this year

Cars over three years old are required to undertake a fairly basic test to ensure the government has additional tax revenues.  This year the test has become more difficult to pass.  Here is the NewsBiscuit guide to getting your car through the dreaded MoT.

1.    A Polaroid photo of the car on a sunny day is now no longer suitable.  A video clip might cut it with some testing stations, but most will require you bring in a car of the same notional make to be tested.

2.    Emissions are still important, so don't sh!t yourself when presented with the bill.  The price of a MoT is capped at £54.85 plus the tester's cut, know what I mean, wink, wink.

3.    Electric cars are increasingly in scope for a MoT.  Running gear still wears out, batteries also decline, but be prepared for accusations of being holier than thou.  It'll cost you, though, greeny smart arsed bastard.

4.    Be prepared to run your car into the ground, but keep the number plate.  If your car is old enough eventually BA25LAG (or whatever) will be worth a fortune to an illiterate someday.

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Image: https://pixabay.com/users/momentmal-5324081/

NewsBiscuit Car Review: The all new Keir Stormer

There were high expectations on this new model, in this case SiR Stormer. The build up to the launch was preceded by genuine positive expectations, however it turns out that this version is a bit of a let down, offering little joy and disappointing performance. The cost seems high for what it eventually delivered, and other competitors have already taken advantage of this.

The longevity of it is already in question and it appears to depreciate at an alarming rate. On an unchallenging run, it handles well but struggles under difficult conditions. Other countries have been complimentary on its capabilities, yet it has not faired so well here in Britain.

It is a small, compact unit much suited to urban environments; out in the countryside it has less appeal. You won’t see too many farmers choosing this to meet their needs.

Not the worst option out there, and maybe only appeals to true fans. Long term, will it be reliable enough to last or will they replace it with something flashier with a bit of zing? Only time will tell.

Pros

It turns on a sixpence

Surprisingly good for families with many children

Cons

Promises of low tax now seem exaggerated

Starts poorly and never really gets going

Functional but lacks any charm ✭✭✩✩✩