Aston Martin Virage Volante Convertible (2011 – 2012) expert review

The verdict

Can’t decide between a DB9 Volante and DBS Volante? Then try Aston’s Virage Volante, it might be the middle-ground but it’s better than both.

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Pros
Contemporary styling
Brilliant standard carbon ceramic brakes
Faster than a DB9, easier to drive than a DBS

Cons
It’s not cheap to buy or run
Loss of roof compromises the handling
Your friends calling you Mr Bond

Full 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…

4. Ride and handling
It might have lost its roof – and hence some stiffness compared to its coupé sibling – but the Virage Volante remains an involving, interesting and hugely enjoyable car to drive. Its balance is impressive, while the fitment of Aston Martin’s adaptive damping system allows it to ride with real composure yet still offer fine body control. The quick, light and precise steering delivers some feel too, while the electronic stability and traction systems’ thresholds are high enough to enjoy the Virage’s performance without killing the fun too early. It’s a beautifully judged all-rounder, that’s as much GT as it is sports car.

5. Performance
There might be a touch more weight in the Volante thanks to the folding roof, but it does little to blunt the performance. Power comes from a 6.0-litre V12 producing 490bhp. That’s enough to see the Virage Volante reach 62mph in 4.6 seconds and onto a top speed of 186mph. The slick six-speed automatic shifts almost imperceptibly, except for the rousing change of engine note (all the better enjoyed with the roof down) rising up through its revs as the pace piles on. It’s unlikely you’ll ever find its performance lacking, and the Virage deals with its power very adeptly indeed.

6. Running costs
Forget any thoughts of running a Virage Volante on a budget. If you’re in a position to buy one then the running costs shouldn’t worry you, though the hoi polloi would baulk at the prices you’ll have to pay to have it serviced, insured etc. Perhaps the most annoying cost will be fuel, which, with a real-world average fuel consumption figure in the early teens, will mean frequent and expensive trips to the petrol station.

7. Reliability
The Virage Volante’s close DB9 Volante relative hasn’t had a faultless reliability record, but with time Aston Martin has ironed out any problems. The Virage should be relatively trouble free then, though regular use will prevent the sort of niggling problems that many underused exotics suffer from.

8. Safety
Even though it’s never been independently crash tested Aston Martin tapped Volvo’s expertise when developing its cars so you can be assured it’ll absorb impacts well. Front and side airbags are standard, as is ABS, stability and traction control and seat belt pretensioners. In lieu of a fixed hard coupé roof the Virage Volante has roll bars that pop up should an imminent collision be detected, too.

9. Equipment
Over the Virage coupé the circa £10,000 premium you’ll pay for open Volante seems reasonable. What looks even better value is the extra kit you gain over a DB9. Significantly, the Virage has standard carbon ceramic brakes, which not only aid the ride and handling by reducing the unsprung weight on each wheel, but also stop the Virage brilliantly. The cabin’s beautifully appointed too, with everything you’d want as standard – including a sat-nav system that actually works (unlike the hopeless older system in other Aston Martins).

10. Why buy?
The Aston Martin Virage is the best of the DB9 based cars, so by default the Volante is the best open-topped choice. It’s the complete all-rounder, with pace to keep a DBS honest, yet retaining the grand touring credentials of the DB9. Its specification, sharper looks and enjoyable drive really make it the stand out model, and with the roof down you can hear the glorious tune from its 6.0-litre V12 all the better.

Aston Martin DB9 Coupe (2004 – 2012) expert review

The verdict

Aston Martin’s exquisitely hand-crafted grand tourer is both beautiful and accomplished. If you like your speed combined with style there’s little out there to rival it.
Interested in this car?

Pros

Jaw dropping looks
Hand-crafted interior
Ample performance

Cons
Virage is faster and sharper yet just as rounded
Rear seats are tiny
Hopeless sat-nav system

Full Review

1. Exterior
Few cars receive as much admiration as the Aston Martin DB9. Rightfully so, as it’s a sensational looking machine. Flowing lines neatly convey its power without being overbearing or brash. Classically proportioned with its long bonnet and muscular wings, the DB9 remains a head turner despite its advancing years – it was introduced in 2004. Minor styling tweaks in 2010 included a new grille, redesigned alloy wheels, altered headlamp bezels and clear rear light clusters.. Only the addition of the edgier DB9-derived Virage to the line-up lessens the DB9’s appeal.

2. Interior
The interior follows the beautiful detailing of the exterior lines, and adds an architectural look and feel. The mix of metal, plastics and leather is well executed, as you’d expect in a hand-crafted car. From the way the doors open upwards slightly, to the fine comfort on offer from the leather seats the DB9’s interior feels special. It’s not the last word in user friendliness though, as the instruments are tricky to read when it’s bright and the stereo controls are a touch fiddly. However, the real Achilles’ heel is the sat-nav, which is hopeless.

3. Practicality
A classically proportioned 2+2, the DB9 might theoretically offer a pair of rear seats, but they’re for occasional use only. If you need a four-seat Aston Martin then the Rapide is a better choice. Accept the limitations and use those seats for luggage rather than passengers and the DB9 is a useful daily driver and occasional continent crosser. The boot’s a decent size, though access isn’t great and its shape makes soft rather than hard luggage easier to squeeze in. There’s useful door bins, a smallish glove compartment and cup holders should you need them.

4. Ride and handling
New for 2010 is the standard fitment of Aston Martin’s adaptive damping system. It constantly monitors the road to achieve the best balance between control and comfort. It works too, with the default Comfort setting delivering a supple ride quality combined with the sort of precision you’d expect in such a car. Switch those dampers over to Sport and the composure is lost, though that’s more to do with the state of our roads than the suspension itself. Finely balanced weight distribution and quick, nicely weighted steering only add to the DB9’s appeal.

5. Performance
It’s unlikely you’ll ever feel short-changed by the DB9’s 190mph capability and 4.8-second 0-62mph time. What’s more impressive is the ease by which that performance is accessed. The optional Touchtronic automatic transmission provides smooth gear shifts and paddle-control should you want to take over. Manual cars are extremely rare, not least because much of the DB9’s appeal is its effortlessness and rounded performance. The 470bhp 6.0-litre V12 engine is strong at all times, though it produces its best – noise and performance – at high revs. At more sedate speeds it’s completely unflustered, making it a consummate all-rounder.

6. Running costs
Forget running the DB9 on a budget: it just won’t happen. Six-litre V12 engines like fuel and the DB9’s likes super unleaded at the rate of around 18mpg officially. In real word driving the fuel consumption will be greater, especially if you can’t resist using all its performance. Band M emissions means heavy road tax; servicing won’t be cheap, nor will insurance, tyres and other consumables. A decent 10,000-mile service interval is some consolation, but only a small one. The DB9 won’t ruin you, but it’ll never be cheap to run.

7. Reliability
The DB9 hasn’t got the best reputation for reliability, but it’s certainly improved since it was introduced. The problems typically centre around the tyre-pressure monitoring system and warning messages on the dashboard, while build quality on early cars wasn’t as good as it could be. It’s never going to be as reliable as a mainstream car, but it has improved markedly in recent years.

8. Safety
Directional stability control, seat belt pretensioners and driver and passenger airbags are among the standard safety equipment in the DB9. It’s not been independently crash tested, but the DB9’s strong, extruded aluminium structure should provide excellent crash protection.

9. Equipment
Standard equipment levels are as high as they should be in a car at this price level, with climate8control, leather everywhere, electric seats and an excellent stereo system as standard. Where the DB9 is lacking is in the sort of radar-guided, lane-keeping, driver attention monitoring systems of some of its rivals – though arguably it’s better without the distractions. It feels worth the money you pay for it, though there’s lots of opportunity to personalise it should you have deep enough pockets.

10. Why buy?
Few cars have such broad appeal, both in the way they drive and in desirability. Everyone appreciates Aston Martin, while everyone’s got an opinion on Porsche, Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz. A classically styled car that never feels anything less than special, the DB9’s only problem is the recent addition of the Virage to the range. It adds a bit more power, slightly sharper looks and dynamics and more standard equipment for about £25,000 more. And at this level of the market that extra isn’t going to matter, which suggests the DB9’s days are numbered.