This review focuses on the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, praising its powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine (656bhp, 0-62mph in 3.5sec) and impressive handling. However, it notes that the car's high power output (656bhp) might be excessive for most drivers, especially when combined with its sensitive steering at higher speeds.
While the car's damping control and firm gait are lauded, the review points out that the steering feels a bit dead and the high steering ratio necessitates caution at higher speeds to avoid oversteering. The reviewer suggests that less power might enhance the driving experience.
Despite the powerful engine, the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster is described as a car that needs to be coaxed rather than overpowered. The reviewer concludes that while they might prefer the coupe version, the Vantage Roadster remains a highly covetable car that can compete with rivals like the Ferrari Roma Spider.
The Ferrari Roma Spider is mentioned as a key competitor.
But on the plumply surfaced roads of an Austrian town, the Vantage rides tolerably well, with fine damping control and a firm gait which speaks of many hours of calibration by a team headed by Aston’s director of vehicle performance, Simon Newton. Some might observe that a cabrio could be slackened off a little due to its inherent flexibility compared with a coupe, although with this amount of power you need a firm control.
On such massive 275/35/21 front tyres, the steering feels a little dead, but it’s accurate with a nice weight. That steering ratio is fast, though, (12.8:1, with only 2.27 turns lock to lock) and you need to take care at higher speeds as the steering wheel can feel a tad too direct when turning into a fast-tightening corner. It’s too easy to turn in too fast and find yourself relying on the grip of the rear tyres a bit too much for comfort.
On the bone dry but heavily salted roads of the Alpine launch, that sharp turn-in felt slightly intimidating; I wasn’t quite sure how much grip there was until there wasn’t, while I could have done with maybe 200bhp less to grapple with on the high passes. On a racing circuit, a skilled driver will use these traits to exploit the available grip, but this car isn’t going to live on a track.
Yet that stunning engine is as near an electric drivetrain as you’d sensibly want, with a mid-range that speeds the scenery into your retinas leaving you giddy with the sensation. At times it can feel something of an unstoppable blunt force, you have to get used to treading lightly, waking the turbos with caution and using feather feet to tame the beast (and keep your licence). Fortunately, it still sounds beguiling, even when you’re only stroking it.
And that’s what the Aston does best, covering ground with a lovely engine note in your ears and the wind in your hair. Not to be over-driven, just coaxed along with plenty in reserve, and who cares if you rarely use full throttle?
I’d prefer the Vantage coupé, while the Ferrari Roma Drophead makes a compelling case for itself if budget isn’t an issue, but in looks and performance the Vantage Roadster is not only highly covetable but it can stand toe to toe with its rivals.
On test: Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
Body style: Two-seat two-door soft-top cabriolet
On sale: Now
How much? From £175,000
How fast? 202mph, 0-62mph in 3.5sec
How economical? 23.3mpg (WLTP Combined), 18.7mpg on test
Engine & gearbox: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol, eight-speed automatic gearbox with torque converter and limited-slip differential, rear-wheel drive
Maximum power/torque: 656bhp at 6,000rpm/590lb ft at 2,750rpm
CO2 emissions: 274g/km (WLTP Combined)
VED: £5,490 first year, £620 next five years, then £195
Warranty: Three years/unlimited mileage
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