2010 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertible
In grand British tradition, the Continental GTC Speed is ergonomically challenged, although it’s actually the Germans’ fault this time. The antiquated electronics interface sourced from parent company Volkswagen features an LCD screen mostly controlled by two flawed interfaces: the adjacent buttons that line up with screen icons (which you’ll want to press directly, but can’t) and a large control knob with limited function that you’ll wish would do more (like BMW’s iDrive).
The navigation system is almost unusable due to its dial-up processing speed, ancient graphics and cumbersome controls. On the upside, the iPod interface is quite good and substantially better than the useless one that sullied earlier Continentals. It shouldn’t be optional, as even a Scion tC (which costs about as much as the GTC Speed’s optional carbon-ceramic brakes) has one standard.
As convertibles go, the GTC Speed’s top-up visibility is good thanks to the large rear side windows. Backing up can be a bit hairy, but the back-up camera assists with this process. Cargo space is excellent for a drop top, with trunk capacity remaining the same whether the top is raised or lowered. A large suitcase and a set of golf clubs will fit, but you’ll have to remove your woods.
Interior storage is decent for this sort of car, with large side pockets, but the cupholders are awkwardly located underneath the twin center armrests, which some may find to be mounted too high. If you have a child seat, put it in one of your more spacious cars, since the limited rear-seat space and the effort required to install it isn’t worth the hassle.
