Welcome to part 2 of our Top Gear, driving heaven segment, in the post we shall look at the car James May drove…. The Aston Martin Vantage.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
The V8 Vantage is Aston Martin’s attempt at introducing a car that is more fun and appealing to younger buyers. The result is a very stunning and sporty V8 Vantage. The sporty little car compares with top of line rivals, the only car that I have ever had the chance to drive that comes anywhere near close was my uncles second hand Mercedes-Benz SL Class.
The car’s V8 engine is unique to Aston Martin and the car’s VH platform provides a light yet rigid structure. The car boasts a 380bhp engine under the bonnet and class competitive performance. The car can go from 0 to 60mph in four seconds, and the car can reach its top speed of 175mph in only eight seconds.
The car provides excellent handling and braking as well, and has bragging rights with even the best competitors. The Vantage corners well thanks to its centre of gravity which is set behind the front axle.
Aside from the car’s impressive mechanicals and performance the car’s exterior design is gorgeous and the car’s interior follows suit, keeping up with the quality of the rest of the car. It makes your favourite car look like a second hand Citroen Nemo Multispace. The interior is comprised of excellent materials and looks and feels superb.
The sporty little V8 Vantage delivers an excellent all-round package and buyers will find the car to be an amazing amount of fun mixed with loads of style.
Practicality
The V8 Vantage will be an expensive purchase. Running costs, fuel economy and insurance will also be high. Compared to the quality and performance on offer buyers get a lot for their money.
The car was not designed to be spacious. It provides adequate passenger room for comfort, but is limited on the cargo that can be carried. Most passengers should find cabin space adequate though.
The car’s main controls and dials are of excellent quality. Everything is functional and has a good feel. The car’s mixture sporty design and modern technology give the cabin a modern and sporty, yet high-class feel.
The V8 Vantage provides exceptional levels of comfort for a car of this size with so much performance on offer. The car’s seats are very comfortable and the car corners extremely well. Road imperfections are successfully absorbed for the most part.
The car provides excellent accessibility. The car’s doors open wide and provide large apertures for easy access and egress. The car sits low and may pose a problem for some passengers, but for the most part accessibility is unhindered.
Parking the V8 Vantage doesn’t pose a problem. Thanks to the car’s small size and good steering it is easy to maneuver even into the smallest spaces. The car’s side mirrors help out a lot with visibility.
Life Style
The V8 Vantage provides an excellent driving experience. The car offers plenty of performance and power to satisfy even the most die-hard enthusiast. The car’s mechanicals are very impressive and the car is not short in any area. The car delivers exceptional style and class and raises the bar for some well known rivals.
This is not a family car. Obviously the car doesn’t provide enough cabin or boot space to accommodate the needs of a family. The V8 Vantage would be an extremely fun car to have around as a second car.
This is not a good first car. The V8 Vantage will be very tempting for first time buyers, who could afford it, but insurance would be too high and running costs would be high as well. There is simply too much power on hand for novice drivers.
Aston Martin has a very good public image, and the V8 Vantage will do so much to improve that image even more. The company has gone out of their way to make the V8 Vantage the best car in its class. The company has raised the bar for competitors and will experience positive results with the V8 Vantage.
Security and Safety
The car comes equipped standard with a security alarm, an engine immobilizer, and a variety of anti-theft locks and devices. Given the car’s desirability a hefty security package is necessary.
The car’s safety features include twin-front and side airbags, and seat belt pretensioners. The car also boasts side door reinforcement beams. The car comes with a pretty impressive safety package.
The Finishing Touches
The car’s standard audio unit includes a Linn AM/FM Radio With 128-Watts; In-Dash 6-Disc CD Changer. The unit provides excellent sound quality and is easy to use.
The car comes with an impressive combination of leathers, contemporary fabrics and aluminium. Buyers will have an extensive choice of standard body and trim colours to choose from.
Summary
I am incredibly lucky to have driven the Aston Martin, though it has left me a little underwhelmed with my Chrysler Grand Voyager. The V8 Vantage is a full blown sports car and will not disappoint. Great care has been taken by Aston Martin to make the car a top performer in all respects. Buyers will not be disappointed in the V8 Vantage and all that the little two-seater has to offer.