Bentley Continental Flying Spur 4dr Car Review - February 2012

The Spur's performance is hard to fault and it is undoubtedly very fast for a saloon car. Its 552 bhp W12 engine effortlessly speeds the car along, accelerating past 100 mph to its top speed of 194 mph whilst the aerodynamic car remains steady and stable. The 2,475 kg car also accelerates from 0-62 mph in a staggering 5.2 seconds.

For a large car, handling is surprisingly agile and grip levels are high. The sound insulation
and pliant air springing makes travelling at over 100 mph seem relaxed and stately with minimal disruption.

Thicker anti-roll bars than previous models and lower self-levelling air-suspension (by 10mm) mean that the driving dynamics are also sharper and more controlled. Four-wheel drive means that the Spur feels stable at all speeds and the air suspension has settings to match the conditions.

The only issues in the driveability of the Spur is on patchy surfaces, where the car doesn't up its game and can feel a little shaky. Similarly, road noise on concrete is a little louder than the usual quiet atmosphere experienced inside the Spur.

This car screams quality, symbolising wealth and luxury thanks to its enormous price tag and brand reputation. Although the exterior of the car looks a little clumsy from certain angles the interior is a classic example of Bentley lavishness.

As one would expect, it is made up of leather and wood veneers and is beautifully finished with the added Bentley touch of a personalised service. The buyer chooses how he or she wants the interior to be designed with a huge choice of materials, piping for seats, various chrome and wood inlays and gadgets on offer to give a traditional or contemporary vibe as desired.

The stereo in the Spur is specially designed for the car by Naim and features a 1,100 watt amplifier powering 15 speakers. Optional extras include backseat 7 inch screens set in the headrests, 6 DVD multi-changer and headphones.

A foot of extra room in front of the passenger seat marks the saloon apart from the Continental GT coupe model and the Spur comes with the option of having three or two seats in the back: the two-seat version coming complete with a veneered centre console.

The inside is roomy even for those of stature and it is rumoured that Bentley's team took the measurements of New York basketball players in mind when allocating the head room of the Spur.

Electronic safety systems in the Spur are combined with four-wheel-drive traction to help avoid skidding whilst twin front, side and curtain airbags with active anti-whiplash front head restraints serve to protect the driver and passengers should there be a collision. Deadlocks and an alarm system help protect the Spur from thieves and increase the safety features further.

However, in terms of practicality this car is only suited for affluent drivers and it is less than practical for average drivers with enormous running costs, falling under road tax band M - the most expensive on the scale.

Potential buyers of the Bentley Spur are likely to look beyond the hefty price tag and large running costs, placing more value on the Bentley prestige and reputation. This car is an incredibly expensive and luxurious option for drivers and is bought solely for this reason.

With an average fuel economy of just 16.6 mpg and hefty carbon emissions of 396 g/km, the Spur is unlikely to attract the attention of eco-aware drivers. Hefty repair costs are incurred alongside high running cars to make the model largely uneconomical for the average driver.

However, for fans of Bentley models the car is likely to be a resounding success. The luxurious comfort and high performance which is expected from such a model is delivered with ease and the high price tag is matched only by the high level of customer service which is offered.