Car reviews

What's the fastest production saloon car in the world? An AMG Mercedes? BMW M5? Maybe a Maserati Quattroporte? Actually it's the rather frumpy looking Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Because while those cars might match or in some cases beat the Bentley from the traffic lights, none can match its incredible 195mph top speed. Far more relevant of course is its effortless real world performance, fabulous cabin and secure all weather handling. And the fact that while still horrendously expensive compared to a Mondeo, at £117,500 the Bentley has few real rivals. Other members of the Continental family include the GT coupé and GTC convertible, all of which share the same 12-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive chassis although the Flying Spur sits on a 320mm longer wheelbase that gives it much more rear seat space. Bentley does make another saloon, the Arnage. Though much less sophisticated it’s largely built by hand, explaining the £50,000 extra it costs.