Bugatti Veyron (06 on) - Review

Say Veyron and people immediately throw back its 253mph capability and 1000bhp-plus output. However, undoubtedly impressive as those figures are it's the way it accelerates that’s so remarkable. The Veyron’s four-wheel-drive system and super smooth seven-speed DSG automatic transmission enables it to transmit its other-worldly power to the road with ridiculous ease. Anyone will be able to match the quoted 0-62mph time of 2.5 seconds; and if they’re unconcerned by the licence-losing potential of keeping their foot planted to the floor, 124mph is achieved in 7.3 seconds. If you ever find yourself in a traffic-light grand prix with a McLaren F1 you could give it a 62mph head start and still comprehensively beat it to 186mph. That’s from a standing start, remember. Other cars have since officially beaten the Bugatti's 253mph claimed top speed, but Bugatti's engineers claim it could go faster. There's no reason to doubt them.

Brutish power might be the Veyron's party trick, but there's more to it than time-bending pace. Naturally, there's electronic stability control as standard, but its four-wheel-drive system gives it remarkable traction, its huge tyres providing extraordinary grip. Its tyres are Michelin PAX run-flat items, as, unsurprisingly, there's no space for a spare. Run-flat tyres usually mean some compromises regarding ride quality, but the Veyron's suspension does a remarkable job of smoothing out even cobbled surfaces. The suspension is adjustable, with three settings, Standard, Handling and Top Speed. Each lowers the ride height and alters the Veyron's active aerodynamics to suit, the Top Speed setting requiring an additional key for speeds above 232mph. The brakes offer extraordinary stopping performance, stability when stopping aided by the spoiler acting as an air-brake. Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of the Veyron is its steering. Given its vast tyres and the Veyron’s considerable weight, the delicacy and feel through the steering wheel is amazing.