New Vantage Reviews

[Jon39]

I have only glanced through the Evo article in a shop, so cannot comment.

What does intrigue me though, is that there should be various critical comments (mentioned above) in a motoring road test. I thought the only journalist who regularly makes unreserved critical comments about cars, is Jeremy Clarkson, from which I can only assume, that he has no concerns about whether a particular manufacturer, stops sending any more road test cars to him.

Is it just me, or do you think most car tests are usually very complimentary?

[kitz]

AlexT said:

Would love to read that review as I am on the fence about purchasing. My initial inspection of the car left me ambivalent. The rear and side profile of the car were tremendously appealing to me, the front not so much (although my wife really liked it). Interior-wise, I was satisfied (much better than the AMG GT), although I didn't feel as if I was sitting in an Aston. On this point, I think Aston should have taken some inspiration from the Bugatti Chiron. Before you think I'm crazy for suggesting a $3 mill car, those familiar will realise how beautifully simple the interior is. No centre screen, an analogue speedo, elegant lines. Subtle technology. It's suprisingly and indeed refreshingly timeless. Aston could have easily designed something along those lines and kept it all in budget. That would have truly made the car stand out in its class and live up to the Aston name.

EDIT: Also whoever signed off on those wheel choices needs talking to. Would be nice to have a good looking 5-spoke option at the very least!

I wonder if the new DBS interior will impress. I am hoping that it will be excellent.

Edited by AlexT on Friday 22 June 09:32

[AstonV]

Jon39 said:

Is it just me, or do you think most car tests are usually very complimentary?

Yes it seems that way. Most cars these days are well sorted in everything they do. So finding differences between them is all the more subjective.

The least expensive vehicles these days will have most of the options only available on high end cars not that long ago, and many now have standard features you still pay hefty sums for as options on today's high end cars. So high end vehicles need to pay more attention to style, exclusivity and build quality.

[tuffer]

I have had my order in for a couple of months now and looking forward to a test drive in the next week or so, will make my final decision based on that and the quality of the interior.

[dbs2000]

AstonV said:

Yes it seems that way. Most cars these days are well sorted in everything they do. So finding differences between them is all the more subjective.

The least expensive vehicles these days will have most of the options only available on high end cars not that long ago, and many now have standard features you still pay hefty sums for as options on today's high end cars. So high end vehicles need to pay more attention to style, exclusivity and build quality.

Completely right, even the Kia's have a pretty good build quality and are loaded with options. It's really hard to buy a (none French) bad car these days.

[12pack]

Jon39 said:

Is it just me, or do you think most car tests are usually very complimentary?

I agree. Sure, cars are a lot better sorted these days. But most publications tread a thin line between brutal candor and advertising dollars.

That’s why comparison tests are usually the most telling.

[Jon39]

AlexT said:

Would love to read that review as I am on the fence about purchasing. My initial inspection of the car left me ambivalent.

. . . I didn't feel as if I was sitting in an Aston. On this point, I think Aston should have taken some inspiration from the Bugatti Chiron. Before you think I'm crazy for suggesting a $3 mill car, those familiar will realise how beautifully simple the interior is. No centre screen, an analogue speedo, elegant lines. Subtle technology. It's suprisingly and indeed refreshingly timeless. Aston could have easily designed something along those lines and kept it all in budget. That would have truly made the car stand out in its class and live up to the Aston name.

After reading your post Alex, I looked for a photograph of the Bugatti Chiron interior.
I now see what you mean by 'beautifully simple'. Quite a contrast to most car interiors these days, but a style which personally I too prefer.

However, I am no longer within the target market for the new Vantage, and perhaps the anticipated 'new younger customers', demand an interior looking like a jet fighter, with as many knobs, buttons, vents and screens as possible. We will know in due course, whether the radical design change has been successful.

[PantsFire]

That's a fairly ugly interior combination on the new Vantage, but that's down to choice, the one I sat in had a nice monotone tan leather vibe. The Vantage does have more buttons, but after sitting in one I felt the complaints about them were overstated.

[cowboyengineer]

I had a quick drive, and found that the car had a good balance of fun and everyday usability. The interior on the one i drove felt solid, and I found it rather a pleasant place to be if not the last word in outright style. But I certainly has no complaints.

I have a longer test drive without the dealer sitting next to me planned in September, but for the time being I couldn't fault it at all.

[Jon39]

Welcome Ian.

New to Aston Martin perhaps?

[Wayne95]

cowboyengineer said:

I had a quick drive, and found that the car had a good balance of fun and everyday usability. The interior on the one i drove felt solid, and I found it rather a pleasant place to be if not the last word in outright style. But I certainly has no complaints.

I have a longer test drive without the dealer sitting next to me planned in September, but for the time being I couldn't fault it at all.

That would be my colour choice, which dealer so I can call in 6 months and buy the demonstrator at 40% off list!

[wizeline]

I have one and I love it. Traded in my 2013 V8VS and never looked back!