New Rolls-Royce Ghost

The Rolls-Royce Ghost has given me a problem. What, for starters, can I write about this magnificent machine that you cannot guess? Yes, it handles beautifully – but you know that because it is a Rolls-Royce. Yes, the ride is supreme – but you know that too. And yes, it feels monstrously large, tremendously cosseting, and the cabin is beautifully finished. I can, however, reveal a few tantalising titbits. Rolls-Royce traditionally claim that their power outputs are 'adequate' - but fail to be precise. However, we know that this 6.6- litre V12 powered beauty produces 563bhp and wafts to 62mph in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph. That is certainly 'adequate', as it should be for an alarming £200,000.

The Rolls-Royce marque is owned by BMW who produce the 7-Series – and the Ghost shares some of its components. No scoffing please, every manufacturer reuses parts to minimise costs. The Ghost is also the 'baby' Rolls, so it is noticeably smaller than the Phantom. This saloon is hardly a supermini though - it measures 5,399mm by 1,948mm. It also has a monstrous 490-litre boot, which is larger than the Ford Focus Estate (seats up). Other nice touches include the rear doors that open extremely wide, and hinge on the rear pillars rather than the central roof supports. This makes accessing the cabin effortless. Oh, and the front doors conceal umbrellas. Why? It never rains when you own a Rolls-Royce.

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