Bentley Azure

There’s nothing quite like a Bentley Azure. The drop-top Arnage makes great sense if you’re rich and traditional. Also a surprisingly great drive.

• Comfort

  Waft, waft, waft. If you're looking for the best way to swan around somewhere hot in hypnotic comfort, then you've found it. There's acres of space for four and when that hood is up (and it's a sail-sized piece of fabric) you might as well be in the Coupe.

  

• Performance

  Again, the Azure can be either a) slightly terrifying or b) the best laugh since Morecambe and Wise. The usual six-and-three-quarter V8 biturbo provides 336Kw and 875Nm (the same as the Arnage T) and sprints this topless block of flats to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds and on to 270km/h with the roof up. Less with the roof down because your head blows off.

  

• Cool

  When worn with the right look of slight self-deprecation and utter carelessness, the Azure can be one of the coolest cars in the world. Take it too seriously and you'll look like a rich berk.

  

• Quality

  Sumptuous handmade fixtures and fittings are of the finest quality. Mind you, they should be for nearly $685,000.

  

• Handling

  The Azure is startling; to reinforce the chassis after the removal of the roof, it gets a carbon fibre crucifix inside it, making for a remarkably sorted behemoth. You'll always be aware of its enormous size, but the Azure can get around with surprisingly little pitch and roll.

  

• Practicality

  If you need to travel in the Azure, you can. It's practical in the sense that there's lots of luggage space (even with the roof folded) and room for four. But as with all Arnage-based product, it's a big car. Mind you, if you have to measure your garage to see if it'll fit, you probably can't afford it.

  

• Running costs

  High insurance, High L/100km and astonishing purchase price mean that you have to be oil-rich to afford to run an Azure comfortably.