Aston Martin Virage Review

1. Exterior

Aston Martin evidently doesn’t do sweeping styling changes as the Virage’s details are only mildly tweaked over the DB9 it’s based on despite a completely different name. It’s the filler in the range between the DB9 and DBS, though it’s more chiselled than the DB9 and less extrovert than the DBS, which makes it the most visually appealing of the three cars. That’s as true with this Volante drop-top as it is the coupé; the open-topped model suits its slightly more contemporary lines and larger, multi-spoke alloys particularly well. As head-turners go there’s little to equal it, which is the point really.

2. Interior

If you thought the exterior changes over the DB9 Volante were subtle then those inside are even less obvious. There have been some revisions, but it’s still very much the neat metal, wood and fine leather combination we’ve come to expect from Aston Martin. Those instruments might look fantastic, but get the sun on them and they’re not easy to read, and the minor controls aren’t particularly intuitive. Still, with some time – and there are worse places to spend time – it all becomes familiar in its operation.

3. Practicality

A Virage Volante is about as indulgent a purchase as it gets so it’s unlikely that practicalities will be high on the agenda. For a convertible that can reach 186mph it does reasonably well though, with a boot that’s not comically small, and a pair of rear ‘seats’ that can be used as additional luggage space – putting people in them for any length of time would be cruel. There’s some oddment stowage around the cabin, but not a huge amount. Travel in style, but light…

Aston Martin Virage coupe Review

1. Exterior

If the DB9 is a head turning work of automotive art then the Aston Martin Virage is an absolute masterpiece. The changes are subtle, but details like the re-profiled grille, revised wings and the new headlamps all combine to create an edgier, more contemporary take on the DB9’s elegant lines. Not hugely adventurous stuff from Aston Martin admittedly, but enough to allow the Virage fulfil its role as the middle-ground between the DB9 and DBS. Sat alongside a DB9, the Virage is tauter and more chiselled, though it manages to eschew the DBS’s rather extrovert, somewhat aftermarket styling.

2. Interior

Like the exterior there are few real surprises inside the Virage for those used to the cabin of a DB9. That does mean there is plenty of beautifully finished leather, high gloss wood and brushed metal. Unsurprisingly, it’s styled particularly neatly, Aston’s mix of materials particularly nicely judged – even the Volvo-sourced air vents. It might be easy on the eye, but aside for the obvious big push buttons for the automatic transmission – the Virage not being offered with a manual – the smaller controls are a bit fiddly.

3. Practicality

The specification says 2+2, but you’ll need to be flexible and small to fit in the rear of the Virage. Best then not to bother trying and instead specify the optional hard-backed sports seats. This means losing the rear seats altogether and using the shelves for additional luggage space. The boot will take a golf bag or two, but getting them in won’t be particularly easy. Soft bags are best for the boot then. In the cabin there’s decent oddment storage, though the glovebox isn’t huge – think sunglasses and iPod only.