Aston Martin Vantage

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.