Aston Martin V8 Vantage

On an unusually sunny day in May, the crew and I find ourselves in Milton Keynes, close to Newport Pagnell, the home of Aston Martin, where I get to test the V8 Vantage, and my spines flexibility on the famous roundabouts, while trying to avoid hitting stationary “Concrete Cows” (yes I am a Professional Driver…..REALLY!).

Okay so it’s like this… I have always been a fan of Aston’s, the power, the noise, the look, and because it’s been the choice of super secret agents, and footballers alike. Plus an Aston seems to have a place of affection on the road, especially with the ladies, judging by all the smiles I got (then again it could have just been the shirt!?). Unlike when we took the Ferrari out, where opinions ranged from “Nice car mate” to “DIE YOU SMALL GENITALED GIT!”

So after waiting nearly a year to get my paws on one, getting the V8 was like meeting a hero. Climbing into the cabin though, turned all my preconceptions on their head. It’s a supercar, I know; but even so the interior feels very snug indeed, and visibility? Well lets just say “if it’s behind you, then you don’t need to look at it” which is probably best because there’s not much to stare out of!

The ride and handling are exactly as you’d expect from a car of this class, but I really think it could have been a more pleasant experience, if the seats were just a touch softer. Honestly it’s like sitting on a couple of house bricks, and very different from any of the other Astons I have been in.

Performance wise too I was surprised, the big 4.3 litre hand built V8 under that incredibly sexy bonnet, made a glorious noise thanks to that clever exhaust system. But upon looking at the Speedo with my foot to the floor, it didn’t jump quite as much as I’d hoped. And unless I really gave the old girl a damn good thrashing, you didn’t get that “I seem to have left my body behind!” feeling from hitting G-forces.

To sum things up, it’s a lot like dating a member of Girls Aloud, stunning looking, great to be seen with, and makes a nice noise, but deep inside you just know its going to cost you lots to keep, and sooner or later could get you into trouble for going too fast with!!!

It’s the entry level model, the “baby Aston” so let’s not be too hard on her. But definitely one for the footballers, and posers I think.

So for all of us “real men” I’d advise saving for that bit longer and opting for the DB9 or possibly picking up a used and still totally breathtaking V12 Vanquish.

Aston Martin have just released a new and improved version of the V8 Vantage, with more power and sharper handling, so lets hope its worthy of its undoubtedly hefty price tag!?