Whether you’re a fan of country escapes or Italian horsepower, this video breaks down the glamor and the grit of driving a Ferrari Roma outside its natural habitat.
There’s something utterly seductive about sliding behind the wheel of a Ferrari Roma. The curves, the cockpit, the way the engine growls like it’s clearing its throat to command the road—it’s a feeling that never gets old. So naturally, I decided to take this grand tourer for a spin somewhere equally enchanting: the English Cotswolds.
But as I quickly discovered, fairy-tale villages and tight country lanes don’t always make the perfect match for Italian horsepower. The question I set out to answer:
Is driving a Ferrari Roma in the Cotswolds a dream—or just a gorgeous daily struggle?
The Setting: Cotswold Charm vs. Supercar Scale
The Cotswolds are unapologetically British. Think dry-stone walls, ivy-covered cottages, and roads barely wide enough for two Mini Coopers to pass without a flinch. So imagine easing a 1.97-metre-wide Roma through those quaint corridors. It’s like asking a runway model to walk through a pub doorway in full couture—stunning, but tight.
Every twist and bend of the countryside came with a mental calculation: Can I squeeze through without scratching this sculpted beauty? Will this hill swallow the front splitter whole? It’s a lesson in spatial awareness that even Formula One drivers would appreciate.
Power Meets Patience
Now, let’s talk performance. The Roma’s 3.9-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine is a masterpiece—612 horsepower of pure adrenaline. On open roads, this car comes alive. But in the Cotswolds? You’re not accelerating from 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds. You’re gliding cautiously past stone walls while dodging tractors and Range Rovers coming the other way.
It’s not a bad thing—it’s a humbling one. The Roma makes you mindful. It reminds you that elegance isn’t just about speed—it’s about control, restraint, and adapting to your surroundings in style.
Interior Luxury: Understated and Impressive
Inside, the Ferrari Roma feels like a luxury apartment built for two. The dual-cockpit layout is both futuristic and cocooning. Everything is leather-wrapped, whisper-soft, and digital. It’s tailored for intimacy, and on Cotswold roads, that intimacy becomes critical. There’s no space for distraction. You need to know your lane, your surroundings—and exactly where your £170,000 bonnet ends.
I loved how the car made me feel: confident yet conscious. It’s a car that demands your full attention and rewards you with a sense of control that’s rare in today’s overly-assisted luxury segment.
Attention Magnet: Showstopper or Slightly Awkward?
Driving a Ferrari through the Cotswolds is a social experiment. Every pub garden turns into a catwalk audience. People stare. Some smile. Others frown. A few look like they’ve seen a spaceship glide past their honey-stone cottages.
The Roma draws attention—not always positive. There’s still that whisper of “show-off” attached to red supercars in rural England. But to that, I say: why not show off beauty? Why not enjoy design that dares to be bold? Especially when it’s married to such refined performance.
Is It Fun? Yes. Is It Practical? Questionable.
Was I grinning ear to ear? Yes. Did I have a few close calls with ancient stone walls and oversized Chelsea tractors? Also yes. The Roma in the Cotswolds is a cinematic clash between old-world charm and modern opulence. It’s thrilling and ridiculous in equal measure.
But practical? No. This is not your effortless country cruiser. It’s a diva that demands attention, respect, and space it rarely gets in the Cotswolds. You don’t hop in for a pint and park up in a village square without a healthy dose of planning—and maybe a prayer.
The Female Factor: Would I Recommend It for Women Drivers?
Here’s where I get serious. As a woman who reviews luxury cars and constantly calls out how brands design with men in mind—I have to say the Roma impressed me. The steering wheel grip was comfortable for smaller hands. The seat bolstering worked beautifully with my frame. It didn’t overwhelm me—it invited me in.
That said, Ferrari still has a long way to go with visibility. Reversing in a tight lane with hedges brushing the carbon ceramic brakes? You’ll need the patience of a saint and the reflexes of a rally driver. Parking sensors and cameras help, but the stress is real.
Brands need to consider more tactile features, visibility angles, and even handbag storage in future iterations if they’re serious about courting female drivers. We’re not an afterthought—we’re the decision-makers.
Final Verdict: Drive It Once, Remember It Forever
So, is the Ferrari Roma in the Cotswolds a dream or a daily struggle?
It’s both.
It’s a slow dance in a tight dress, a power move in a delicate setting. It’s impractical perfection—and that’s exactly what makes it magical.
If you’re looking for convenience, stick to a Range Rover.
If you’re looking to feel alive, get in the Roma and head for the hills.
You must be logged in to post a comment.