Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The baby of the range that encompasses the brutal Vanquish S and the graceful DB9, the V8 Vantage is truly the most affordable Aston in this venerable British company's long and chequered history. But even then, at 80,000-pound sterling, it is still big bucks for your bang. On the flip side though, this kind of pricing can get you a V8 Vantage for the missus too when compared to the 174,000 pound price tag of the Vanquish S.

Where the Vanquish S is all brutish, throbbing with an insatiable desire to overwhelm you and the DB9 a sublimely nice car - reminding you of a certain gentleman who likes his beverages stirred not shaken, the V8 Vantage is absolutely stunning and in many ways, simply brilliant.

In many ways, the Vantage might look similar to the classic shape of the DB9. Aston says that its design is simple, understated and beautiful. I agree with the last term, but to call it simple and understated would be like calling Angelina Jolie a prude. This car is all curves and in the right places and the designers at Aston Martin have to be applauded in merging the classic Aston cues with a modern form that smacks of being absolutely different than the competition.

The V8 Vantage is a two-seater, with the rear environment offering a large luggage shelf area accessed by a tailgate. Surprisingly, for a vehicle of its size and shape, there is quite a lot of space inside for a weekend getaway for two - or then maybe more. If the rear parcel shelf is folded down then even more space frees up.

Inside, Aston Martin's traditional craftsmanship is matched to striking 21st century style. The dials are made from aluminium, and together with the switchgear have a very distinct design and unique Aston Martin look and feel. But the dials are not very easy to read. Other interior foibles include some materials snared from the vast Ford parts bin like the very Volvo-esque power window switches. The worst element of the whole V8 Vantage experience is the ignition key, which looks and feels similar to a Ford Focus key.

What truly impressed me about the V8 Vantage was the sheer tractability of the V8 powerplant. It could potter around at crawling speeds with nary a snatch or jerk but with sheer silken delivery. Hit the throttle pedal hard and the horses would come unleashed, squatting the rear end and propelling the car forward with the urgency of a pedigree stallion. And no, this is no reference to a famous Italian car company. Aston Martin claims a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds, putting it firmly in the league of ultra quick projectiles which need to be handled with respect. Add to that a top whack of 175 mph and we are talking performance with the best in the business. The 380 horses come on strong throughout the rev range and this is helped by the massive 410 Nm of torque, 75 per cent of which is delivered at just 1500 rpm - barely more than idle. This gives the Vantage amazing tractability, adding to the driving pleasure.

Aston Martin has definitely raised their already high levels of competence to another plane altogether with the V8 Vantage. This car is truly a masterpiece in many ways and if Aston Martin continues in the same vein, then the competition better watch out. The V8 Vantage may not have any singular area of radiance but it is rather the sum of all elements that makes this car so desirable and a joy to drive and be seen in.