Performance
The car may weigh 2.7 tonnes, but with 444bhp and 645 lb ft of pull from just 1800rpm, the turbocharged 6.7-litre V8 engine shoves the Azure to 60mph in just 5.6 secs. With so much power on tap, a smooth throttle action is required to ensure graceful take-offs. Once under way, the six-speed automatic gearbox slips seamlessly between the gears.
The car may weigh 2.7 tonnes, but with 444bhp and 645 lb ft of pull from just 1800rpm, the turbocharged 6.7-litre V8 engine shoves the Azure to 60mph in just 5.6 secs. With so much power on tap, a smooth throttle action is required to ensure graceful take-offs. Once under way, the six-speed automatic gearbox slips seamlessly between the gears.
For the most part, the Azure delivers a cosseting ride although, like most convertibles, there is some shake over rougher surfaces. Once you’ve adapted your driving style to take into account the prodigious dimensions, the Azure feels surprisingly nimble.
Refinement
There’s some shudder produced by the big V8 at tickover, and there’s a pronounced whoosh from under the bonnet as the Azure takes off. Once at a cruise, however, there’s almost no mechanical racket and little road noise enters the cabin. With the roof up, wind exclusion is excellent; when down, there’s little buffeting for those in the front two seats. Those travelling al fresco in the rear, however, would do well to invest in some stylish headgear.
There’s some shudder produced by the big V8 at tickover, and there’s a pronounced whoosh from under the bonnet as the Azure takes off. Once at a cruise, however, there’s almost no mechanical racket and little road noise enters the cabin. With the roof up, wind exclusion is excellent; when down, there’s little buffeting for those in the front two seats. Those travelling al fresco in the rear, however, would do well to invest in some stylish headgear.
Buying & Owning
If you want a hand-built Bentley built to your own specification, then unsurprisingly you’ll pay a hefty premium. Buyers must also be prepared for heavy depreciation and outrageous running costs, including an average of 14.5mpg.
If you want a hand-built Bentley built to your own specification, then unsurprisingly you’ll pay a hefty premium. Buyers must also be prepared for heavy depreciation and outrageous running costs, including an average of 14.5mpg.
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Quality & Reliability
Much of the Azure’s running gear has proved itself over the years, and the company will do anything to avoid a dissatisfied customer. The interior is well built, classy and for the most part bespoke, although you will find some components sourced from parent company Volkswagen.
Much of the Azure’s running gear has proved itself over the years, and the company will do anything to avoid a dissatisfied customer. The interior is well built, classy and for the most part bespoke, although you will find some components sourced from parent company Volkswagen.
Safety & Security
Rogues will have their work cut out to steal an Azure – these cars are not exactly common and feature a high level of security equipment. The greatest danger comes from envious types who may well damage the roof or key the paintwork. Buyers also get twin front, side and curtain airbags and stability control.
Rogues will have their work cut out to steal an Azure – these cars are not exactly common and feature a high level of security equipment. The greatest danger comes from envious types who may well damage the roof or key the paintwork. Buyers also get twin front, side and curtain airbags and stability control.
Behind The Wheel
The Azure reeks of luxury and many people will appreciate the quality of the materials and the simplicity of the layout. There are no complex, computer-style controls – just big buttons. The
The Azure reeks of luxury and many people will appreciate the quality of the materials and the simplicity of the layout. There are no complex, computer-style controls – just big buttons. The
seats are powered, as is the steering wheel, but it has no reach adjustment and there are no wheel-mounted stereo controls.
Space & Practicality
There’s a huge amount of space for four to stretch out in comfort, and each of the two doors has two door releases – the rearmost one lets rear passengers get out gracefully, without stretching forward to open the door. However, there’s no soft-closing action for the doors, no electric boot-closing facility and no simple luxuries such as automatic rain sensing wipers. The roof is fully electric, although it takes 26 seconds to deploy, but at least it has no influence on boot space when folded.
There’s a huge amount of space for four to stretch out in comfort, and each of the two doors has two door releases – the rearmost one lets rear passengers get out gracefully, without stretching forward to open the door. However, there’s no soft-closing action for the doors, no electric boot-closing facility and no simple luxuries such as automatic rain sensing wipers. The roof is fully electric, although it takes 26 seconds to deploy, but at least it has no influence on boot space when folded.
Equipment
The Azure comes with most of the basics, including climate control sat-nav and leather upholstery, but you’ll need to pay for everything else. The Bentley difference comes from the bespoke range of extras that customers can order – you name it, they’ll include it for you.
The Azure comes with most of the basics, including climate control sat-nav and leather upholstery, but you’ll need to pay for everything else. The Bentley difference comes from the bespoke range of extras that customers can order – you name it, they’ll include it for you.
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