Morgan Aero 8 (00-10) - Review

The Aero 8 is a two-seater sports car that's designed to be fun to drive, so it's little surprise that comfort isn't top of the list of its strong points. However, the two seats are extremely well finished and supportive, so long journeys aren't a chore. The convertible top isn't the most advanced design around though. For starters you have to raise and lower it manually - which means stopping the car - and with it in place it doesn't seal particularly well around the side windows. With the roof down there's plenty of buffeting at higher speeds, although with the windows up, it's possible to minimise this. Revised cars from 2006 have a new roof mechanism which is an improvement but not still not up to the standards of mainstream convertibles.

Few two-seater sports cars are especially practical and the Aero 8 certainly proves that. In the cabin there is precious little storage aside from a small flip-down glovebox, tiny door pockets and a small stowage area in front of the gear lever. The fact the roof has to be put down manually is another annoyance as is the fly-off handbrake buried down the transmission tunnel. The boot isn't too bad with 250 litres of luggage room, but it's incredibly awkward to access as the boot lid only opens to a certain height, so you have to lean down to get things in and out.

The driving position in the Aero 8 is quite odd. Although the seat adjusts a fair amount and there's height and reach adjustment on the steering column, the pedals are very far away, so most driver's will find the steering wheel next to their chest. However, for taller drivers it's pretty much perfect. You sit very low down but forward visibility is very good. The view out of the back is poor though - with the hood up the rear window is tiny and when it's folded down it obstructs the view back. Revised cars from 2006 have a larger rear window and the hood folds down flatter too. The cabin itself is wonderfully finished with top quality materials and an immaculate attention to detail that would put even the likes of Bentley to shame. And although there's plenty of wood, the cabin has a modern feel with classic elements such as the cream dials and high central transmission tunnel. It is quite narrow, so feels snug with two on board but revised cars from 2006 have a wider cabin and shorter door sills, making getting in and out easier.