Category: Convertibles 
Price Range: £83,000 to £94,000
Looks, handling, sensational soundtrack, badge, usability, compact dimensions.
Relative lack of performance, price.
Our favourite Aston in the range, almost worth the money over a Jag XKR.
Engineers have done a fine job ensuring a balance between fine handling, body control and ride, and in most cases there's always just enough suppleness to ensure the Aston Martin is bearable on broken or poorly surfaced tarmac. It rarely, if ever, crashes over bumps and sharp edges despite the firm damping and stiff springs.
There are sacrifices to be made with a convertible, with increased road noise, for example. But most of the time the fabric's ability to allow more of that hard-edged V8 soundtrack is a positive bonus.
At motorway speeds, the Roadster is even relaxing, with the V8 turning over at just 2,500rpm at 70mph.
Seat comfort is, surprisingly, a little compromised: despite plenty of lateral support and adjustable lumber support, we were suffering mild backache after a few hours on the road.
Sadly, the options list makes for grim reading: for a car that starts at £91,000 it's alarming that heated seats, cruise control and a premium sound system cost extra.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Aston Martin V8 Vantage
wrote on 07 07 2008
wrote on 08 11 2006
wrote on 25 07 2006