Aston Martin

The 2009 Aston Martin Vantage is powered by a 4.8 liter engine that pushes it to 420 horsepower. It has been given a sleek design that is similar to the DB9 - but overall it is more powerful and has better performance.

The moment you sit inside the vehicle you are surrounded by a leather interior. It offers luxury along with power to those who are looking for a combination of both on their long commutes.

Steering feel is a bit heavy once you get under way, but the wheel lightens as you gather speed. There’s a bit of road noise that makes it into the cabin at highway velocities, but never enough to make the Vantage feel noisy, or worse, uncivilized. The 3595-pound Vantage responds quickly to any direction you give, and since 85 percent of its mass sits between the front and rear axles, it feels ready and willing to rotate when necessary.

The manual transmission produces the usual visceral advantages over the paddle shifter, though a bulky armrest crowds the driver’s elbow a bit, especially when rowing through the gears. Sportshift-equipped V8s don’t present the same ergonomic issue. Strong stops require firm pedal pressure, and though the ventilated four-piston Brembos offer potent deceleration, a more aggressive setup (or perhaps optional carbon ceramics) would feel better suited to this car’s abilities.