Car Statistics: Rolls-Royce - Phantom Series 03 (4 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

Unlike anything else in the world - a Germanic re-imagining of Rolls-Royce's core visual DNA. Cliff-face front end is OTT, even for a Rolls-Royce.

Handling (3 stars)

Decent for something so large, although attempts at more rapid progress induce acute body roll. More about wafting, something it does very well.

Comfort (5 stars)

There probably isn't a more relaxing place in the world than the back seat of a Rolls-Royce Phantom. Refinement is, simply, astonishing.

Quality (5 stars)

Very well constructed, and every part of the interior is trimmed with top-drawer materials. Puts old Rollers to shame.

Performance (4 stars)

V12 engine gives more than adequate performance, bearing in mind the Phantom is more about wafting than burning rubber.

Roominess (4 stars)

Rear seat occupants enjoy plenty of space and the boot is massive, too.

Costs (1 star)

Won the lottery recently? If not then don't bother asking, you undoubtedly can't afford it. Insurance, servicing and depreciation are all so expensive that the 12 - 15 mpg average fuel economy is the least of a buyer's worries.

Value (3 stars)

Compared to the horror of the Maybach, the Phantom looks like almost good value, but the Bentley Arnage is considerably less expensive (if less trustworthy).

Stereo (4 stars)

The audio system sounds good but is controlled by a strangely old-fashioned interface. Satnav feels like an afterthought.