The Aston Martin line of cars if far from the ordinary consumer level vehicles. However, they do offer an entry level car and the V8 Vantage is it. This hot little car comes in a coupe and in a convertible model to fit any sports car fans taste. To further customize your Vantage you can choose from a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. This vehicle is a gas guzzler only offering around 14 to 20 MPG, but any car buyer that is hungry for the power that this vehicle offers will not be concerned with this.
The Vantage is Aston Martins response to the Porche 911 and a very good one at that. The V8 Vantage can push its driver from 0 – 60 in about 5 seconds flat and when you feel the thrust behind the 420 horsepower engine, there is no question that the Vantage is a real contender in its class. Since the 2009 model there have been some slight changes in the suspension to make the ride more solid and better handing in high speed cornering after some consumers complained.
The Range
Bodystyles: Coupe, convertible
Engines: 4.7L V-8
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Models: Coupe, Roadster, Special Edition
What's New
For 2010, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage remains virtually identical to the previous year, but minor cosmetic changes may be in store for 2011, when the V12 Vantage is slated to head to U.S. soil.
Exterior
Aston's current design language, as seen on the Vantage, is sleek and elegant, with wrap-around led taillights, taut body lines, and a subtle aggression that is undeniably British.
Interior
Most interior surfaces are wrapped in real leather and aluminum, in keeping with Aston's luxury-oriented nature. Still, there's a little more plastic evident in the cabin than we'd like to see.
Performance & Handling
The V8 Vantage is a wonderful entry-level Aston with enough power to keep things entertaining and handling sharp enough for virtually any road work. The exhaust note is sonorous, though not quite as intoxicating as Aston's V-12. As standard, the Vantage is a sports car that can be driven every day without compromise. Want to head to the track? There's a Sport Pack for that.
Safety
The 2010 V-8 Vantage includes dual-stage driver airbase as standard, along with side airbags when fitted with sport seats. Stability and traction control are also both standard. Roll-over bars are included on Roadster models.
EPA Fuel Economy
All models: 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway; 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway (manual)
You'll Like
- The perfect ratio of luxury and sport
- Everyday usability
- Slick-shifting manual gearbox
You Won't Like
- Interior not as rich as other Astons
- Automatic transmission fussy and slow
- Audio controls aren't intuitive
Sum Up
More unique than a Porsche
If You Like This Vehicle
- BMW M6
- Jaguar XJR
- Mercedes-Benz SL550
- Porsche 911 Carrera