Skip advert
Advertisement

FBS Census

Dodgy handling, scruffy looks, rough engines - the catalogue of stereotypes about British made sports cars is lengthy and rarely complimentary.

Dodgy handling, scruffy looks, rough engines - the catalogue of stereotypes about British made sports cars is lengthy and rarely complimentary.

Breaking this mould can be difficult and costly, but there are ways of shaking off the poor image. TVR has succeeded with wild designs, and Lotus sells on speed and efficiency. Joining this established elite is the dream of every fledgling car company, but with so many on the starting line, it is hard to pick a winner. One contender is Northamptonshire firm FBS, which is vying for glory with its new Census, a car genuinely different from rivals such as the Mazda MX-5 and Lotus Elise.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Auto Express was first behind the wheel of this working prototype of the newcomer, designed by ex-Rover engineers Robin Hall and Andrew Barber, which is due on sale in July. Powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine from a Ford Mondeo, it's expected the Census will start at

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £12,495
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,998
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £8,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025