Aston Martin Vantage

Upon entering the Aston Martin Vantage, you’ll be surprised by how high-tech and performance-oriented its cabin is. The S and S Roadster variants feature a black and red interior trim for a sportier vibe. The S variant showcases satin carbon fibre performance seats, while the rest get the standard sport plus seats with different colours and outer headlinings. Regardless of the material and trim, the Vantage’s seats offer top-notch support and grip for you and your co-pilot both on the track and out on the open road.

Drivers are treated to a very high-tech cockpit, which can definitely help them perform at their best. This includes a 10.25-inch TFT driver information display, a sports steering wheel with gear paddles, and a modern-looking gear knob. In the middle, you get a center panel, which houses the controls to the car’s interior features. Operating this panel would give you a very satisfying aircraft pilot-like experience.

Aside from these, it also comes with a 10.25-inch TFT touchscreen central infotainment display, which is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay (Apple CarPlay Ultra for the Non-S variants), wired Android Auto, Bluetooth, natural voice control, a satellite navigation system, and a SiriusXM satellite radio. Its infotainment is connected to an 11-speaker Aston Martin Audio System, which offers world-class acoustics for everyone on board. This luxury high-performance sports car also has a wireless charger, two USB ports, and a 12V charging socket.

In terms of dimensions, all variants of the Aston Martin Vantage measure 4,493 mm in length, 2,124 mm in width (with mirrors), and 1,274 mm in height. This luxury high-performance sports car has a 2,705-mm wheelbase and a 94-mm ground clearance.

For starters, the Coupe and S variants come with a hardtop roof, while the Roadster variants feature a stylish retractable roof (i.e., convertible top). At the front, all variants feature the brand’s iconic 5-vane metal grille. It has a very assertive glare courtesy of its elongated matrix LED headlights with auto high beam and LED DRLs.

On the sides, it has a striking hypermodern silhouette accentuated by frameless doors that follow a ‘Swan Wing’ opening configuration. The Roadster variants feature a bright chrome waist rail for their convertible top, while the Coupe and S variants get a gloss black window trim. All variants come with 21-inch 5-spoke forged wheels finished in gloss silver as a standard. 

Meanwhile, its back end is definitely a treat for the eyes. It flaunts a very aggressive-looking rear illuminated by signature full-width LED taillights with a stop tail and dynamic indicator functions. It also comes with rear fog lamps for more visibility, especially at night. And to complete the look, it is given a high-performance-looking quad exhaust system and diffuser.

The S and S Roadster also come with exclusive parts that enhance their aerodynamics and overall performance on the road such as gloss black bonnet blade and a solid-mounted subframe to name a few.

The V8 mill resting under the bonnet of the lively unique edition serves a refined combustion even at high engine speeds and beverages 13.8 liters of fuel for each 100km of stretch.

In terms of suspension, the Aston Martin Vantage model line utilizes an Independent Double Wishbone with Coil Springs and an Anti-Roll Bar at the front, while a Multi-Link with the same inclusions at the rear. Its setup is supported by Aston Martin’s Adaptive Damping System. This setup is credited for this luxury sports car’s very sharp and precise handling. It makes light work of sharp and unforgiving twisties. It also has tremendous grip and control. 

However, due to its very low ground clearance, it wouldn’t be advisable to use this on Metro Manila’s bumpy and uneven concrete roads. Like other high-performance sports cars, this thrives more on the highway and on the race track.

The Aston Martin Vantage line is powered by a 4L twin-turbo V8 engine that produces a maximum power output of 680 PS and a maximum torque of 800 Nm. All variants have a top speed of 325 kmph. In terms of acceleration, the S variant can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 3.4 seconds, while the Coupe and S Roadster variants can go in just 3.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the (Non-S) Roadster variant’s acceleration time is 3.6 seconds. This engine is mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission system and utilizes a rear-wheel drivetrain.

This luxury sports car is incredibly quick off the line. Its engine produces a very lively roar as you go up the rev range, captivating the attention of fellow drivers and regular bystanders alike. It is smooth and very responsive both on the highway and on the race track. If you worry about high fuel costs, then you should definitely skip this one. But, then again, this car is designed to be driven spiritedly out on the open road, instead of being used as a daily city driver.

The Aston Martin Vantage model line comes with a long list of advanced driver assistance systems. This includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot assist, driver attention assist, and a 3D surround view system among others. 

In terms of braking, this sports car comes with ventilated two-piece steel discs with six-piston calipers at the front, while steel discs with four-piston calipers at the rear. Its braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system, dynamic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, hydraulic brake assist, traction control, positive torque control, and dynamic torque vectoring.

Honestly, the Aston Martin Vantage is niche-based. Hence, it won’t appeal to every consumer in the local market. But, for discerning buyers who are looking for a sports car that can deliver outstanding performance and, at the same time, unmatched luxury inside and out, the Vantage stands out as a very strong choice.