Aston Martin Vantage

Our verdict

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is the accessible Aston that you can buy for just over £80k, and makes a huge case for itself when you’re stretching from Porsche 911 money. Be warned though – this is nowhere near as precise a tool, even if it is much sexier.

Comfort

The Vantage is noticeably less comfy than big brother DB9 over distance - the shorter wheelbase and sportier set-up making themselves known. There is however, plenty of space for two. No, it hasn't got the DB9's rear seat-impressions, but it has got a practical hatchback and it's reasonably big back there too.

Performance

Fast, but not earth-shattering. The 4.3-litre V8 comes from Jag but with plenty of bespoke Aston tuning. Trouble is, it only chucks out 380bhp and 302lb ft of torque in what isn't a particularly light car. OK, so 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and 175mph top speed aren't exactly Micra pace, but it never feels as quick as it could. Forthcoming Vantage RS with a V12 and 600bhp should see to that.

Cool

Even at this end of the Aston Martin range you're looking at one of the coolest cars on the planet. Pray you get to own one. Pray.

Quality

There have been issues with Aston's build quality,and the electrical system and paint finish were a bit iffy, especially on early cars. Be aware that the manual transmission can feel a bit fragile too.

Handling

Proper sportscar stuff; well damped but firm, well-contained bodyroll and a decent dose of rear-wheel steer if you feel like playing. Will shade to understeer if you leave it to its own devices, thanks to that engine in the front. We have encountered a couple of cars with bizarrely dead steering around the centre and that can affect your confidence. Not quite as good as a 911. Not quite.

Practicality

Hatchback means that you can use the Vantage as your only car and get away with it if seating for more than two isn't an issue. There's also a great feeling that the car is a manageable size and you can thread it through traffic because you can see out of it. Bonus points.

Running costs

Best to buy a six-month old car now that the speculators have wandered off - there's no premium to be had on a new Vantage anymore. Still, Group 20 insurance and only low teens for mpg make it a thick-wallet only motor.