Aston Martin V8 Vantage - Pictures

Compact dimensions mean the V8 Vantage is easy to manoeuvre, but a hefty kerbweight of 1,630kg blunts the car’s acceleration. However, this weight is evenly distributed, and the Aston feels well balanced in corners.

The Aston doesn’t merely look stunning outside – it also has a very charismatic cockpit. Gorgeous dials and a glass starter button are the highlights, while the leather is flawless. Rear three-quarter visibility is limited,

Look how far back the Aston’s engine is mounted. The free space in front gives it a large deformable crash structure, while the V8 itself is placed within the wheelbase to improve weight distribution.

The doors are an engineering triumph. The pop-out handles are neat, and the use of hydraulic struts means they can be stopped anywhere along their travel. Plus, they swing upwards as well as out in order to clear tall kerbs.

Although the visors are beautifully clad in Alcantara, the fact there’s no cover for the vanity mirror means reflections can be distracting when you’re driving – which shows a lack of attention to detail in the finish