2018 ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE

Certain features that were only available as options at the 2018 Vantage launch were to become standard items. Superb Sports Plus seating is chief among them along with a quad exhaust system rather than a pipe either side. Fortunately our car was expensively and tastefully optioned from new, and was also protected by extensive 3M protective wrap (clear and very discrete). The desirable quad exhaust upgrade was an easy (if pricey) post-purchase fitment.

Inside, it’s Obsidian Black with a Satin carbon fibre inlays and bold contrast stitching for the leather trim. The large aluminium paddle shifters are the most striking pieces of what Aston describes as ‘cabin jewellery’.

A solid fortnight behind the wheel gave us an opportunity to really consider the Vantage design. It succeeds in clearly distinguishing itself from other Aston Martin models while still looking unmistakably an Aston. The profile has just the right proportions and the lipped rear end mesmerises with a full-width light bar linking the broad hips.

But you know this already, just as you know that the twin-turbo V8 cannons the Vantage to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and onto almost 200mph. In Sport Plus, the quartet of exhausts broadcasts movements much more emphatically, at all speeds, and peak torque swells so early in the piece that you always have enormous thrust on tap for overtaking. The surge is prodigious, but so is straight-line composure, as the electronic limited-slip differential maintains firm control.

In the dry, you can push very, very hard without being bitten or you can throttle back to default Sport mode and enjoy a pliant ride that is on the acceptable side of firm and steering that is well-weighted and never feels too aggressive. Living with the car and using it in everyday situations demonstrates that the Vantage also has proper touring credentials to match its athletic handling.

The Vantage also strikes us as surprisingly practical, being easy to get in and out of and offering good luggage space beneath its large hatch. Visibility is generally good but the 360-degree camera is a huge asset, as is the lightness of the long doors that open seamlessly rather than in stages.