Road test: Bruising Bentley

I wasn’t looking forward to driving the Bentley Continental GT Speed (currently the second most interesting car on the firm’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show, after the new Flying Spur).

This brutishly handsome coupé is motoring’s answer to a rugby player in a tweed suit. Posh, big, bruisingly powerful and quick, it’s also the fastest Bentley ever, so not the ideal car to test in icy conditions. I needn’t have worried. The thing had four-wheel drive and an acreage of computers to help it grip, steer and stop.

Around since 2002, the car has aged well, having been subtly improved technically (engine, aerodynamic and suspension mods) and rounded off at the edges to keep it looking fresh. Its interior mixes gent’s club, hand-stitched leather with modern carbon fibre and alloys, and it’s a proper four-seater, although rear headroom isn’t great for taller occupants, but as ever, it’s all beautifully made.

For a car capable of 205mph, which can get to 60mph in four seconds and 100mph five seconds, thanks to its six-litre 12-cylinder engine, the GT Speed is a pussycat in town, rumbling along, riding firmly-but-comfortably, but open it up and it accelerates like a wrecking ball dropped from a great height. A labour of love, crafted by real people, and a unique, special thing.

Bentley Continental GT Speed coupe
Top speed: 205mph; Combined fuel consumption: 19.5mpg;
Emissions: 347g/km;
Price: £151,000