The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante does a remarkable job of justifying its price tag. While there are currently only two front-engined V12 Convertibles on the market, choosing between this and the Ferrari 12Cilindri is going to be tough – what a privilege for those in a position to make such a decision.

What we like

Beyond the dramatic looks and 835hp performance, what really stays with you after driving the Vanquish Volante is just how astonishingly well sorted it is dynamically. It rides comfortably yet corners hard, is almost intimidating big from the outside but so easy to place on the road.

I was also left impressed by the blend of technology and physical controls in the cabin, the quality of the finishing and the slick operation of the automatic fabric roof. It’s a very impressive car.

What we don’t like

The engine is very boosty and powerful, but perhaps isn’t as classically entertaining and sonorous as I’d really like it to be. Maybe I’m just not mature enough, and if that’s the price you have to pay for such strong turbocharged performance then it seems a reasonably fair trade.

The structure does shudder occasionally, but never to the extent it’s distracting. The screens do reflect sunlight, sometimes awkwardly, but again that’s not too hard to endure.