Aston Martin DBS

A harder, faster, more focussed DB9. But it feels like a totally different car – a car that Aston Martin can take on the world with. If only the Ferrari 599 didn’t exist.

• Comfort

  The DBS rides well for a car with so much potential, but like a teenage boy you never forget that it has one thing on its mind, just this time it's speed not the, er, other thing. The engine is loud, but that's the point. Watch out for cambers and uneven roads; the DBS would prefer a racetrack if given the opportunity.

  

• Performance

  The bare stats show that the DBS has just 60 more bhp than the DB9 at 510, so it's not actually that powerful, but 0-62mph in just over four seconds and 190mph is enough. The rumours that this is just a DB9 in a new suit are unfounded though; this is much more like the old hardcore Vanquish S in terms of experience.

  

• Cool

  If the DB9 is cool, then the DBS is super-chilled. Forget the slightly odorous James Bond connection - that's for teenage boys - and revel in a fine, fast Aston that makes the hair stand to attention on the back of your neck.

  

• Quality

  Unlikely we'll see many of these cars thrashed to hell and back, but the interior quality remains one of the DBS's strong points. Handmade and the better for it.

  

• Handling

  Imagine a cross between a road car and a GT racer and you're about there. The DBS is the best handling car Aston has ever produced. Forget pretty-but-rubbish DB7s, this is what an Aston should be about; noisy, raw, a bit brutal and sticks like glue.

  

• Practicality

  Are you sure you're not in the wrong place? Anyway, not bad for a car this fast; the boot's pretty good and the space in the cabin is dandy - though you won't be changing any wheels because there's no spare. You were worried about that, weren't you?

  

• Running costs

  The same as the DB9, except plus one. Group 20 insurance (they haven't got a higher one yet), into single figures if you push it for mpg and a £160k price tag mean that if you're singularly worried about running costs, you're going to look elsewhere. They aren't currently depreciating though.