Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon (03 on) - Review

The Rolls-Royce travels in near silence. Even the ventilation fans are barely noticeable when they're bringing the interior of the car up to the desired temperature on a chilly morning. The engine is only heard when kicking down a few gears to overtake and the suspension smothers virtually every bump any road could throw at it. The interior is exceptionally spacious and can seat five when the standard rear bench seat is chosen. The rear doors (hinged at the rear) can be closed from the inside at the push of a button, while the wool carpets are over an inch thick.

The rear passenger compartment offers acres of room for three to relax and stretch out, while the decent boot with its 460 litre capacity will swallow a few cases. It is possible to choose the Phantom with an extended boot pack. Run-flat tyres are standard, eliminating the need for a spare wheel while the rear doors also have umbrellas concealed in them.

The seats and steering column are electrically adjustable (naturally) and the cars height offers a great view of the road ahead. Few sights offer a better feelgood factor than seeing the 'Spirit of Ecstasy' mascot on top of the radiator grille. The right balance of tradition and modernity has been struck with the interior, with a vast choice of wood and leather finishes. A BMW iDrive-style dial is concealed in a storage compartment and the satellite navigation screen hides behind a panel on the dashboard until required. However, rear visibility is compromised by the thick pillars.