Bentley Continental GTC

The 'baby Bentley' is a hugely impressive car. Really though, the 'baby' tag is something of a misnomer, for this is an enormous vehicle which weighs a lot more than a Mercedes S-Class. However, it's also a beautiful-looking machine with a delicacy of touch which proves that owners VW really understand what makes a Bentley. Underpinnings from the VW Phaeton super-saloon also mean there's plenty of space in the indulgent interior for four people - enormously impressive. What's more, materials are luscious and satisfying... though early models suffered a few small quality niggles which should have been sorted out on the production cars.

Power is provided by a massive 6.0-litre W12 engine, producing 550bhp with enormous character and ease. The six-speed automatic transmission also lays claim to being the best, most responsive such unit in the world and is faultless in operation. Yet it's the way the Bentley drives which really raises eyebrows. Air suspension and four-wheel-drive provide stability and composure which enthusiasts used to only dream of - yet it doesn't mind hitching up its skirt and charging hard, either. Owners of current Bentleys won't believe it. Of course, drive it hard and the economy will be disastrous, while many UK roads are also arguably just too small to push it anywhere near its considerable abilities. But if you're lucky enough to have £110,000 in your back pocket, buying British has never been easier to justify. A real class act.

+ Power, handling, styling, quality
- Price, fuel economy, build quality?