Styling/Image
No Aston currently on sale wants for glamour but some are better resolved than others, and the V8 Vantage is the best of the lot. Its compact, pert shape makes the most of the modern Aston Martin design DNA laid out by Ian Callum and Henrik Fisker. The Roadster looks just as fabulous with its neat folding fabric roof, the orange special edition N400 certainly stands out, while the latest V12 model packs a finely judged bodykit. All models make you feel like Daniel Craig on his way to Lake Como.
Interior/Practicality
Simply opening the door is an experience to savour – it swings out and up on gas struts, revealing expensive materials, gorgeous lighting and an excellent seating position. 2008-models get a better DBS-style centre console, but sadly also that car's naff 'Emotion Control Unit' – a piece of glass and steel that plugs into the dash, instead of a conventional key. Yes, there are some Ford and Volvo parts on display, but they don't detract from the air of sophistication. The Vantage is a strict two-seater, but the hatchback rear end ensures it's almost as practical as more mainstream models. The Roadster's folding hood robs boot space though.
Engine/Performance
Answering criticsm that the original 4.3-litre V8 wasn't powerful enough, Aston enlarged it to 4.7-litres in 2008, power rising to 420bhp. It shoots to 60mph in just 4.7 seconds, onto 180mph. The spread of torque is better and it is more responsive at lower revs. It also sounds fantastic. Above 4,000rpm, the exhaust rasps, barks and crackles, and the engine thrives on revs. There's a choice of manual or Sportshift semi-automatic gearboxes; go for the former. The latter may get steering wheel-mounted paddles, but it's jerky and costs £3,000 more.
Driving experience
The Vantage is incredibly entertaining. Over smooth surfaces, it sweeps around corners effortlessly, the chassis proving superbly balanced – something enhanced in 2008 with stiffer front and rear springs, plus Bilstein dampers to improve the ride. There's still the usual vague-feeling from the rear end, but it's not as prononced as in the DB9 and DBS. If only the weighty steering had more feel, the Aston would challenge the Porsche 911. Nevertheless, it's still an involving driver's car.
Ownership costs
You don't buy an Aston to save money, but the V8 Vantage is not quite as frighteningly expensive to run as the V12 versions. Compact dimensions and a reasonably lightweight body mean economy comes surprisingly close to the 20.4mpg official average. Surprisingly, the smaller but less efficient earlier 4.3-litre models return about 2mpg less. However, 328g/km of CO2 means there's no escaping a £400 annual road tax bil – and servicing is pricey. You'll need to put aside at least £800 for each 10,000 mile check-over. Residuals have softened of late but the V8 Vantage is still a much in-demand car, so it should hang onto its value better than most models in the range.
Safety/Environment
As standard you get driver, passenger and side airbags, a traction control system, plus the knowledge that you're sitting in a super stiff structure. As for the environment, forget it. Those dire CO2 emissions mean it's unlikely any members of Greenpeace will be tapping you up on Facebook.
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