As a featured article in the Belfast Telegraph the Vantage took the readers test poll hands down. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/carfinder/article2683745.ece
Aston Martins look better than anything else and are marvellous to drive. That, and not 007, is the secret of why they are loved, says David Wilkins.
What do you think is the most exciting car badge these days? On the basis of my dealings with Independent readers in connection with the Verdict test, I reckon it’s Aston Martin. I’ve lost count of the number of reader-testers whose parting shot was a remark along the lines of, “next time you get your hands on an Aston, bear me in mind”. It’s a similar story with the letters and emails that arrive from those applying to take part.
Here are some letters and remarks from the polls:
The V8 Vantage is no exception. Apart from a few mass-manufactured items such as the column stalks, there are examples of beautiful attention to detail everywhere, such as the counter-clockwise rev counter and the metal fuel filler cap. A look under the bonnet exposes not just a beautiful engine but much of the Vantage’s hi-tech, bonded and riveted structure, which contains aluminium, steel, composites and magnesium alloy. It seems a shame to hide this stuff away – unless it’s with bodywork as elegant as the Aston’s.
The under-bonnet view also gives a clue to the other side of the Aston’s appeal: its prowess as a driving machine. The engine block is behind the centre-line of the front wheels, which combined with a rear-mounted gearbox gives the V8 Vantage its delectable balance on the road. I’ve posted a photo showing this front mid-engined layout in detail at my blog (http://wheelwobble.blogspot.com) for anyone who is interested.
Colin Moss, 55, manager, Branston, Lincolnshire
Usual car: Audi TT.
The Aston Martin that first got my attention was James Bond’s DB5 in Goldfinger. I lost track of all the different models and numbers, but they all look beautiful and this is no exception. The interior is simple classic black leather and metal. A few minor surprises: standard ignition key in the steering column (not keyless), six-speed manual (not auto, tiptronic or paddle shift) and red stitching on the black leather? I was not disappointed though, it is still a stunning car. Handling was superb, the 275mm rear tyres really holding the road, and surprisingly agile. The V8 engine sounds wonderful and I could not stop grinning every time I accelerated.
Michael Duffy, 52, barrister, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Usual cars: BMW 7 series, Alfa Romeo 166
Now here’s the best thing we too in the states can offer our preference up. If you never have had the pleasure to get behind the wheel you can take advantage of the renting one from DFW Elite Auto Rental. Use this opportunity for both pleasure and offering your opinion.
Contact by e-mail motoring@ independent.co.uk or write to: The Verdict, Features Department, Independent House, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS, giving your address, phone number and details of the car, if any, you drive. For most cars, participants must be over 26 and have a clean licence.