Aston Martin Vantage Roadster: a hot rod with manners
Aston Martin’s Vantage Roadster is a majestic convertible with a top speed of 190mph, says Nicole Garcia Merida
As surely as summer follows winter, a convertible Aston Martin follows a coupé, says Top Gear –“often looking even prettier in the process”. That is the case for the new Vantage Roadster. If “you need a minute to just gawp at it, please treat yourself”.
The spec sheet is “as per the vantage coupé”; a twin-turbo V8 takes the car from zero to 62mph in 3.7 seconds, and to a top speed of 190mph. The retractable top gives the car its best, “if most niche”, statistic: the roof can retract in just under seven seconds, making it the quickest roof cycle in the industry. “Mock all you want, but in Britain’s endlessly indecisive climate”, this is far more important than the top speed. Luckily, there is a “decent array of cubby holes inside… should rain fall before you have a chance to slow to 30mph to stow the roof”.
As the car is a convertible, there is the occasional “wobble” in the steering wheel; but this has no impact on its handling, “and it’s all offset by how much prettier this car looks minus a roof”. Once you open it, work the V8 hard and “you’ve got a hot rod with manners”.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
When it comes to stepping on the accelerator, “it does the lovely thing that Astons do rather well”, says Matt Prior on AutoCar. The Vantage “lets you turn into a corner with reassuring responses and drive out with the broad powerband troubling the rear tyres as little or much as you choose”.
On a sunny day, with the hood down, the Roadster feels “majestic” to drive, adds Steve Sutcliffe on AutoExpress. Ironically, however, it sounds best with the hood up; “louder and fruitier than in the coupe”, the V8 delivers thunderous performance that is “just about lag-free” with immense acceleration. Still, only with the hood down does the driver get to hear “the full range of crackles and bangs from the exhaust on overrun”.
The Roadster takes the fight right to the front door of its German rivals. While expensive, it’s “quick, capable, and extremely desirable… a tasty piece of kit in its own right”. Sport, Sport+ and Track drive modes can be dialled up separately, which allows for several different types of comfortable rides.
Just like the coupe before it, the roadster is an “emotion play; you buy it because you want it and because of the statement it makes”, says Steven Ewing on Road Show. The car will be “totally familiar” to those who have driven the hard top, but if you’re all about that “wind-in-your-hair” feeling, you could certainly do worse than the Vantage.
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
Nic studied for a BA in journalism at Cardiff University, and has an MA in magazine journalism from City University. She joined MoneyWeek in 2019.
-
Three British small cap bargains to boost profitability
Three British small caps to invest in, according to Edward Wielechowski of the Odyssean Investment Trust
By Ed Wielechowski Published
-
What is the Mansion House speech - and why does it matter to you?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver her first Mansion House speech this week. We look at what could be announced, and how it could affect your finances
By Ruth Emery Published
-
Global car shares slide amid lower demand in China – what happens now?
Has the car sector run into trouble? Britain’s Aston Martin and Germany’s Volkswagen are among the key automobile brands that have issued profit warnings.
By Alex Rankine Published
-
Volkswagen mulls closure of German factories
Why is Volkswagen considering the closures and how is the carmaker performing?
By Dr Matthew Partridge Published
-
Is China winning the electric car race?
China now sells more electric cars than conventional ones within its territory. Western countries seem determined to stop them from crossing their borders. Why?
By Simon Wilson Published
-
Val d’Isère is a valley of delights
MoneyWeek Travel Matthew Partridge reviews Airelles Val d’Isere and Hotel Mont-Blanc in the famous French ski resort
By Dr Matthew Partridge Published
-
Review: The Ozen Collection – a dream stay in the Maldives
MoneyWeek Travel Ozen Life Maadhoo and Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, where luxury meets nature, are almost too good to be true, says Nicole García Mérida.
By Nicole García Mérida Published
-
Review: An odyssey through Sri Lanka
MoneyWeek Travel Merryn Somerset Webb explores the South Asian country’s ruins, jungle and fabulous food.
By Merryn Somerset Webb Published
-
Flexjet review: the only way to fly
MoneyWeek Travel Chris Carter flies with Flexjet, a provider of fractional ownership of private jets, to St Moritz in Switzerland for the Snow Polo World Cup.
By Chris Carter Published
-
South American nature holidays – take a walk on the wild side
Travel We find holidays in South America where you can explore nature in all its diversity.
By Chris Carter Published