ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH S
Our £200k super-gt has already convinced us of its usability
What’s it like, then, living daily life with an Aston Martin Vanquish S? Well, it’s chuffing brilliant, obviously.
But it’s also, perhaps surprisingly, remarkably easy. I mean, easy given that this is a 592bhp car with a 5935cc V12 engine, that it’s long and low, and that Aston put quite a bit more ‘super’ into this super-gt when it revised the model late last year.
But it also rides well. Steers easily. Has a strong driving position and easy-natured controls. For doing 230 miles to Anglesey at dawn – as the Vanquish S did on its first big outing after arriving with us – there are, honestly, few better cars for the job.
Granted, it growls loudly on startup, but I suspect most Vanquish S owners don’t live too close to their neighbours. From then on it pleases in just the right amounts: massively long-geared and refined if you want it to be; evocative if you don’t.
I’ve taken to leaving the dampers alone but pushing the ‘S’ button for the powertrain, which makes the exhaust louder, more often. It sounds at its best through 3000-4000rpm, even on part throttle, so it’s enjoyable even at moderate speeds. From there, when lifting off you get gloriously old-fashioned gurgles on the overrun.
Talking of old-fashioned, it has a normal oil dipstick and, being a wetsumped engine, an old-fashioned way of checking the oil. No fancy electronic procedures; just look at the stick when the engine is cold – and admire the lightweight composite bonnet while you’re there.
If you want to use a £200,000 super-gt as a daily driver, then, this one would fit into your life as simply as some executive saloons. Although, after a long day at Anglesey, there aren’t many saloons that would persuade you to take the scenic route home, as the Aston did. It’s a special car. Trouble is, because the miles are racking up too quickly, I should reserve it for special drives.