Monday 23rd August 2010

Driven: Aston Martin DB9

Do minor tweaks keep Aston's GT fresh?

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This is the new Aston Martin DB9. Well, we say new, but that is stretching the definition of the word to breaking point - even calling it a facelift is a bit much, really. But although this is essentially the same car that's been with us since 2003, there are a few new bits and bobs on it, so we thought it was an opportune moment to reacquaint ourselves with the big Aston.

A close inspection of the outside reveals new wheels, redesigned sills, mildly tweaked headlamp surrounds, and clear rear light lenses (now standard; previously an option). Inside, there are new trim options and a swanky new Bang & Olufsen stereo option.

The biggest news, however, is the adoption of the adaptive damping system (called ADS) which already graces the DBS and Rapide, and has previously been an extra on the DB9.

The ADS, which actively monitors the body movements of the car and adjusts the strength of the dampers accordingly, works impressively well. In standard mode the DB9 flows over the lumps, bumps and ruts of Warwickshire's B-roads with some aplomb. You might just occasionally sense the mildest of wallows, but in general the car's body composure is good and the ride comfort is impressive, allowing you to stretch the DB9's legs and enjoy that V12 scream surprisingly often.

Switch the ADS to 'sport' mode and it performs less impressively. The ride becomes a little jittery, and what you gain in extra sharpness on turn-in you lose in control over the bumpiest of roads. The sport mode would come into its own on track, no doubt - and even the smoother roads of continental Europe - but we would leave it in its softer standard setting for driving in Blighty.

Apart from the ADS, it's pretty much 'as you were' for the rest of the DB9's dynamic repertoire - which means pleasantly weighted steering, a glorious V12 engine (which, at 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque is spot-on power-wise, bringing 60mph up in 4.6secs and the top speed at 190mph), and a chassis whose grip and composure - er - isn't quite as good as a Jaguar's.

The exterior remains - to these eyes at least - an object of irreproachable beauty, but the DB9's cabin hasn't aged quite so gracefully. The new trim and stereo options lift it, but the layout of the buttons is hilariously confusing, and the Volvo-sourced sat-nav is frustratingly antiquated - and in a car costing £122k (£131k for the soft-top) that does grate a bit.

Still, if you want a pretty, V12 GT in which you can pretend to be James Bond, The DB9 still has few peers. You might just want to buy yourself a TomTom...

[petemurphy]

clear headlights should be available from halfords only...

[Elroy Blue]

That wheel design was last found on the Vectra Sri! (I'd still sell my children to own one)

[johnhenry]

i dont actually like it side on...i know, im sorry lol

[clorenzen]

I think you are all being too harsh. 7 years on this is still a head turner. It will be difficult in the future to design a coupe with prettier lines than the DB9 - which ultimately is also the challenge for AML when they have to come up with ist successor - eventuelly.

[drewbagz]

I love this car dearly, however i do think it is time for a DB10.

[RichB]

petemurphy said:

clear headlights should be available from halfords only...

I think you'll find most headlights are clear

[Leicesterdave]

They could have tried a bit harder with the interior! I mean 7 years old!!

[Garlick]

DB9 is still beautiful IMO.

£45k gets you into a 30,000 miler and that's after a quick search of the PH classifieds, perhaps cheaper are out there.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1956656.htm

OK, so it's the 'old' car, but still good enough for most of us.

[PompeyM3]

Garlick said:

DB9 is still beautiful IMO.

£45k gets you into a 30,000 miler and that's after a quick search of the PH classifieds, perhaps cheaper are out there.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1956656.htm

OK, so it's the 'old' car, but still good enough for most of us.

+1

I think this will go down as a bit of a design classic in years to come. Beautiful shape from every angle.

[Beardy10]

PompeyM3 said:

Garlick said:

DB9 is still beautiful IMO.

£45k gets you into a 30,000 miler and that's after a quick search of the PH classifieds, perhaps cheaper are out there.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1956656.htm

OK, so it's the 'old' car, but still good enough for most of us.

+1

I think this will go down as a bit of a design classic in years to come. Beautiful shape from every angle.

+2 it's definitely a design classic IMHO. it's amazing that they can't or won't update the SatNav as it's been a target of criticism from day one pretty much...sure it must put some people off. As for the DBS well that is the stuff wet dreams are made of!

[Zod]

Leicesterdave said:

They could have tried a bit harder with the interior! I mean 7 years old!!

Ergonomically, the centre console is a bit of a mess, but aesthetically, I'd like to hear of a better looking interior. You really need to sit in it to to appreciate it.

[P4ROT]

Zod said:

Leicesterdave said:

They could have tried a bit harder with the interior! I mean 7 years old!!

Ergonomically, the centre console is a bit of a mess, but aesthetically, I'd like to hear of a better looking interior. You really need to sit in it to to appreciate it.

+1 i't squeaks and rattles no matter how much you take it back to Aston and bits drop of it every other day but God it's beautiful- inside and out

[RichB]

Zod said:

Leicesterdave said:

They could have tried a bit harder with the interior! I mean 7 years old!!

Ergonomically, the centre console is a bit of a mess, but aesthetically, I'd like to hear of a better looking interior. You really need to sit in it to to appreciate it.

I think (hope) Leicesterdave was saying that with his tongue in cheek, I mean honestly where would you rather be, in a new plasticky Merc/BMW/Audi or a 7 year old DB9

[petemurphy]

RichB said:

petemurphy said:

clear headlights should be available from halfords only...

I think you'll find most headlights are clear

dammit i wondered why i could never see at night

I think the db9 shape is overrated personally - i would suffer an amv8 though

[mlj]

I still think this is one of the most beautiful cars you can buy. Minor tweaks probaly made beacuse it's replacement isn't ready.

However side on it does seem a little odd at the front. The older DB9 didn't seem to have that problem. But, if I could I wouldn't turn one down

[BUG4LIFE]

I really really don't like that mesh grill, it looks cheap, make it black Aston!!! Otherwise, I like the fact the DB9 still looks the same as the original, it's bloody beautiful and shouldn't be messed with!

[Zod]

P4ROT said:

Zod said:

Leicesterdave said:

They could have tried a bit harder with the interior! I mean 7 years old!!

Ergonomically, the centre console is a bit of a mess, but aesthetically, I'd like to hear of a better looking interior. You really need to sit in it to to appreciate it.

+1 i't squeaks and rattles no matter how much you take it back to Aston and bits drop of it every other day but God it's beautiful- inside and out

Mine's had the odd rattle, but it's no worse than any BMW I've had in that respect.

[gj88]

Garlick said:

DB9 is still beautiful IMO.

£45k gets you into a 30,000 miler and that's after a quick search of the PH classifieds, perhaps cheaper are out there.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1956656.htm

OK, so it's the 'old' car, but still good enough for most of us.

Original and at it's best if you ask me.

[AndySA]

This is still the best looking Aston available now and for at least the last 20 years in my eyes. Although the good old 1980's V8 last past me a few months back...........yum yum

[ArtVandelay]

gj88 said:

Garlick said:

DB9 is still beautiful IMO.

£45k gets you into a 30,000 miler and that's after a quick search of the PH classifieds, perhaps cheaper are out there.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1956656.htm

OK, so it's the 'old' car, but still good enough for most of us.

Original and at it's best if you ask me.

Agreed, the DBS style rear lights ruin the back end for me, it's one of the reasons I preferred the DB9 to the DBS aesthetically, as well as the lack of vents etc.

The DB9 is still a wonderful looking car, making the only Vanquish and DB7 look dated in an instant when it came out (the DB7 has some strange panel gaps) and even 7 years on it's only bettered by its younger brother, the V8 Vantage.

I just hope Aston can come up with some equally special when they bring out its replacement, and I'm curious as to their choice of powerplant in the future.