The New Aston Martin Vantage

The updated Aston Martin Vantage is potentially the definitive front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car.

I had one of the old Vantages. It looked beautiful, and I enjoyed driving it not just in the UK but 1,000s of miles across Europe to various race tracks.

But I never wanted to take it on track. And when the new version arrived, I wasn’t running to the dealer to buy one, but things may have just changed.

With a 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo engine delivering 665PS and 800Nm of torque, it rockets from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 202mph.

Engineered for greater thrills, its 50:50 weight distribution and advanced suspension provide razor-sharp handling and exceptional control. However, it is still road-biased, which I like.

Inside, the Vantage boasts an all-new interior featuring Aston’s bespoke infotainment system and the luxurious materials you expect. This creates an environment of supreme comfort and style and addresses the issues the previous version made you accept.

This Vantage is not just about power. It's about an immersive, exhilarating driving experience as a road car to enjoy daily or at least regularly.

That’s why I think it’s a more appealing package than a Porsche 992.2, even if it doesn’t have the all-year-round advantage of a four-wheel drive option.