Rolling with a Phantom

Do you remember the first time you fell in love? I do, I was young and naïve but I remember I thought she was perfect, she could do no wrong and I could spend hours just longingly staring at her.

Bizarre as it may sound, that’s the exact way I felt about the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé, a piece of bespoke British engineering that brings a smile to the face of anyone who lays eyes on it.

This variant shows a more relaxed and less formal side of Phantom. Its exterior exudes character and its lively interior evokes the feeling of being aboard an elegant yacht.

It’s striking, there is no other word fit to describe it. The optional brushed steel bonnet features a hand-applied brushed finish, which gives the bonnet a soft sheen. Accentuating the lines of the car it creates an unbroken flow of bright steel that runs from the grille, around the A-frame windscreen surround and along the waistline of the passenger compartment and rear cover.

This model has a full complement of advanced technology both under the bonnet and in the cabin. Everything is designed to work in unison. The result is fingertip control and a dynamic connection with the road, making driving an effortless pleasure … and it is a pleasure, I assure you.

It’s the little things in life that make me happy and the simple pleasure of pushing the unlock button on the key fob and watching the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy ornament proudly emerge from the bonnet is one of them.

Once I hopped inside, the luxurious ambiance was overwhelming but since I was eager to hit the open road I simply tapped the push button ignition and was off on a drive I’ll never forget, thanks in no small part to the V12 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The acceleration so is staggeringly quick, smooth and comfortable, the makers refer to the drive as a ‘magic carpet ride’ because you feel as though you’re gliding on a cloud.

Despite its size and weight, both of which are substantial, thanks to the responsive handling and effortless steering it feels like you’re driving a smaller, lighter car. It’s easy to forget its girth while navigating some of the kingdom’s smaller roads but thankfully there are an array of sensors that let you know when you’re too close to anything.

I’m used to envious glances from fellow motorists when I test drive a luxury car, but never have I received so many as when I was rolling along in the Phantom. Seriously, jaws dropped when I went by 338 in Adliya and I’m not going to lie, I liked the feeling.

This two-door four-seat convertible offers both driver and passengers a dual experience – intimate and cocooning or free and open depending on whether the roof is raised or lowered.

Unfortunately, the day I took this model was exceptionally dusty which meant putting the roof down was risky. However, it would be rude not to try it and when I did, the driving experience changed, I felt free.

Since each model is bespoke the options list is limited only by your imagination but some of the features in my model included a new 8.8-inch front monitor that gives you a clear view whether you’re using the new hard drive-based navigation system on the road or watching a DVD while stationary.

The redesigned Rotary controller puts everything at your fingertips for effortless operation. The smartphone cradle, USB and Aux-in options all offer improved connectivity to keep you in touch with the world.

A feature I found particularly swanky was the new camera system that offers all-round views of the car. The front/side cameras offer clear views of the road in either direction when you are exiting a junction. The rear and top views make parking and reversing simple – the rear camera has a path prediction setting to guide you. The top view shows a 360 degree view of the car from above so you are aware of any potential obstacles in all directions.
Sadly, as with my first love, eventually my time with the Phantom came to an end. However, unlike my first love, I’d gladly take this car out again, any time.

For more information, call Euro Motors on 17750750.