The Two Ugly Sisters from Maranello.

Is it just me, or has the whole world gone mad? Every article I’ve read, every video I’ve watched reviewing the two latest Ferrari models, the 458 and the FF, are produced by people convinced that Ferrari’s latest design route is a successful one.

The 458's Interior is
perfect for a supercar.

Firstly, I am not questioning Ferrari’s engineering abilities. It is clear from these reviews that Ferrari ensures the perfect balance between power and grip. There can be no doubt, either, that the naturally aspirated engines Ferrari builds are some of the finest examples ever produced. Secondly, I am not questioning the interior styling of either car. Both look built-for purpose. The 458’s cutting interior lines are suited to the aggressive manner in which the car should be driven and the FF’s interior is a more aesthetically relaxing affair. I do, however, feel that Ferrari’s exterior designs have several issues and that they have not found the correct balance between finesse and science.

The bizarre 458 headlight.

From the side, the Ferrari 458 has a perfect supercar silhouette and every line flows into the other consummately. At the front of the 458, things begin to go downhill. Firstly, there are those awkward cut-outs in the bonnet that meet the 458’s headlights. It seems to me that this has been completely ignored by all commentators on the 458’s styling thus far – it’s hideous! Not only does it offset from the light’s shape but it actually sits in the middle of the headlight’s frontward design. If this shape had been incorporated as a single design of the headlight, it would have looked fine, but it’s not – this cutaway has been placed there for aerodynamic reasons and simply looks wrong. Furthermore, whose decision was it to place a silvery prancing horse in the middle of the front grille? I would understand if this had been dictated by tradition, but the Ferrari 430 had no such ostentatious emblem on its front end. And if those cheap-looking carbon fibre spoilers are so important to aerodynamics, then why didn’t Ferrari include them on the Ferrari FF?

The amused frog-like Ferrari FF.

In stead, the designer of the FF has used different techniques to create a similar effect: a Ferrari that has been adjusted too many times until it is almost confusing to look at. At the front, the FF has similarly-shaped lights to the 458. Luckily, the designer has chosen not to include the ghastly aerodynamic cut-away on the bonnet. However look below and one can see an enormous silvery grille – my first point of contention with this car’s design. Apparently, Ferrari was determined to make a supercar that could perform in the snow and this is the reason for the car’s design. To me, the car looks far too happy and coupled with those larger headlights it resembles an amused frog-like creature. If you buy this car in green, your children will think you’ve purchased the result of some horrendous science experiment.  

The back of the FF is
too complicated. 

At the back of the 458 and FF though, Ferrari’s choice of awkward design reaches its crescendo. I will agree that the top of the 458’s design is well proportioned. The large single lights with black vents is straight from the design book of Ferrari handsomeness. The rear diffuser, though, is far too complex and is another example of substance over style with this car’s design. Similarly, there is the exhaust system – three exhausts, packed tightly together? It seems as though Ferrari have been taking design tips from the Saxo Owners of Essex Club. At the back of the FF the same issue arises: complexity. The FF’s backside has an enormous rear diffuser, which again is too complex to be aesthetically pleasing. Similarly, it’s rear lights are too small and have been coupled to a tiny vent that just doesn’t seem necessary and below the lights are another set of minute, pointless-looking vents. None of these design features, individually, on the FF’s rear-end are terrible, but put together they give it a blundering, over-dabbled appearance, similar to the problems that journalists found with the Mazda RX-8 around ten years ago. But that was a £20,000 car. These Ferrari models cost around ten-times as much to buy.

I’m sorry to the Ferrari faithful, because I myself have loved every Ferrari since I was a boy, but I simply cannot abide by the 458 or the FF’s styling. They have been ungracefully styled for the sake of performance, to the point that they seem overly complex and for that reason, unattractive. Surely, if you are purchasing a £200,000 car you would want to be certain that everyone who sees you in it is smiling with you, not laughing at you for buying it. 

The Honda Accord Type V - An Old Man's Car, A Young Driver's Perspective

In the next few months I’ll hopefully be trading in my Honda Accord for a newer, more exciting car.  Having saved a decent amount of money from work, during my university course, I think I deserve a treat after graduating from Leeds. Despite the endless quips from my friends for driving a car that is typically driven by taxi drivers or OAPs I feel the Honda has given me two and a half years of near-perfect (if a little dull) motoring.

Once I finally decided to trade in my Renault Clio Mk1 diesel, which broke down every five seconds I was determined to get a more comfortable, spacious and reliable car to transport my numerous university necessities from Kent to Yorkshire. The Honda fitted that need perfectly and I have found several benefits to owning this small saloon.

The Honda isn't  a stunner, but it's not a freak either.

Firstly, there are the typical Honda benefits which are not the most exciting: reliability, reasonably cheap parts and the smug feeling that my car’s manufacturers are desperately trying to save our planet. Nonetheless, there are other benefits which one might not typically consider when purchasing this type of car. Firstly, its colour: black, and which young male driver wouldn’t want to own a black saloon? Admittedly, my Honda doesn’t have the same mafia associations as a black Mercedes or BMW might, but these are cars that would cost twice as much, were they in the same condition. My Honda had only covered only 58000 miles when I bought it for £2500. Secondly, there is the way the car looks. I will admit that the Accord is not as sleek as a 3-Series Coupe, nor does it have a “young driver” image, for which my old Clio was perfect. Whilst it could be argued that this car is a little dull to look at, it is certainly not ugly. In actual fact, I feel it simply looks neat, tidy and discreet.





Once you step into the car you are immediately bathed in a sea of beige leather, coupled with faux-wood additions to the dashboard. You could be forgiven for thinking you had entered a miniature Jaguar. The interior feels extremely snug when sat at the driver’s seat. All the controls are within arm’s reach of the driver and the seats, despite being leather, are the most comfortable I have ever sat in. The arm rest to my left adds to this strong sense of snugness. The only departure from this comfortable interior is the car’s tremendous Bose sound system, complete with a subwoofer in the boot. Personally, I would expect this power to be wasted by the typical Accord driver, listening to  the Archers. Yet, for a young man, wishing to show off his favourite songs to the entire neighbourhood (as I sometimes do), this car is perfect.

When driving the car, it's obvious that the Accord was deigned to traipse up and down motorways during the week and transport the family to and from the shops at the weekend, making it a perfect car for my needs – driving up the A1 from Kent to Leeds and going to my local Morrison’s for my weekly shop. The steering feels limp at times, the suspension is very wobbly, forcing the car to bumble around corners. The engine’s responsiveness greatly varies, depending which gear you’re in and at what time. This is the result of a VTEC engine which feels extremely lazy until it is pushed past 3500 rpm, at which point the car suddenly wakes up: the engine tone completely transforms, and suddenly sounds like a much faster, more prestigious sports car whilst the car weaves from side to side, if the car is revving hard in first or second gear. Testing the Accord on a nearby, twisting country road, I found that the steering provides a decent level of feedback its handling limits. Once you’ve had enough of driving briskly and wish to relax, the comfortable seats, cruise control and light-steering are very welcome factors, once again.

I cannot state that this car provides a perfect mix for both types of driving. It is not as agile or as crisp as a 3-Series when pushed to the limit, nor is it as comfortable as a Mercedes C-Class might be. However, this Honda Accord, certainly acts as a happy medium between the two; allowing for some enjoyment on a country road dash, whilst also providing superb comfort on a long, uninspiring motorway journey. Furthermore, it is safer than its contemporary rivals, cheaper than most of them and should be more dependable. Oddly, having driven it for a couple of years, I would recommend it to any university student,  ignoring the high insurance bracket, as it's such a comfortable way of transporting goods over long distances. This is a snug, safe and practical car which can provide driving enjoyment to any driver, without being dangerous. It might not be the trendiest alternative to a small French hatchback, but I had my fill of breaking down on the A2 dual-carriageway and getting no respect from other drivers on the roads. Whilst this Honda Accord may not have been the most inspiring car to drive, it certainly lived up to the Honda reputation, providing dependable and comfortable motoring. Now I'm after something that feels tighter in the bends and has a little more punch in a straight line.