The Aston Martin Vantage is a stunning sports car, with the performance to back up its stunning appearance. It’s exciting to look at, let alone to get behind the wheel and drive.
First - that exterior. The Vantage is sleek and low-slung, with smooth curves. It’s light and looks lean and muscular; streamlined, even. Get behind the wheel, fire up the engine – V8 or V12 – and you’ll be hooked by its pulsing growl. It’s ready to go, immediately.
Put your foot down, and the acceleration is punchy and fast. How fast depends on which type of used Aston Martin Vantage you have, but we don’t think you’ll be disappointed by the entry-level V8 model. The latest generation of the Vantage V8 can deliver 503hp, with 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds. That’s the roadster version. The coupé shaves that down by the blink-of-an-eye to 3.6 seconds.
You can optimise performance by toggling between the three available driving modes – Sport, Sport + and Track – while ride comfort is modified using the adaptive dampers that are fitted as standard.
Inside, the theme is unmistakably and unashamedly one of luxury. It’s a two-seater sports car, so interior space isn’t ever going to be vast, but Aston Martin’s clever design means it’s comfortable and practical.
There’s plenty of head and leg room for two adults in the front sports seats, which are styled in leather upholstery and can be adjusted electronically to set the optimum position for driver and passenger.
The infotainment system in the latest generation of used Vantage models is much improved on older versions, with an 8-inch touchscreen hosting a series of functions. It includes Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, built-in sat nav and Apple CarPlay – on models from 2017 onwards. As well as operating by touch, you can use a rotary dial controller, too.