Aston Martin Vantage (05 on) - Review

It may be a true sports car but the Vantage is still a very comfortable way to get around. The leather seats are electrically adjustable and there is the option of memory function while leg, shoulder and head room are all generous. Those not used to a sports car will find the seating position very low, and it is very difficult to see the end of the bonnet, though it isn't hard to judge the car's length when parking due to its compact dimensions.

As a pure two-seater sports car it's little surprise that practicality is not high on the list. However, a good-size rear luggage area is reached through a rear tailgate, and can swallow a couple of overnight bags, plus there is a useful shelf behind the two seats where coats can be stored. There is a two-cup holder between the seats and small storage areas in the door bins. Reaching the fuel filler release is very tricky as the button is situated on the door pillar just below the dashboard - the glovebox is also released by a button and drops down silently and gently.

There is no doubting that sitting in this two-seat sports car is a special place to be. From the aluminium dials with anti-clockwise rev counter to the glass starter button which glows red when the ignition is first switched on, there are plenty of surprising and pleasing touches. The heating dials are machined alloy, not plastic painted to look like metal, the handbrake is on the drivers right-hand side and the speedo is marked up to 220mph, though the Vantage will 'only' hit 175mph.