Aston Martin Vantage review – interior and tech
Another area of continual improvement, some bemoan the old-school tech, but it can’t help but feel special
Inside, the Vantage takes a radical departure from its predecessor. Gone are the analogue dials and creaky, outdated infotainment system, to be replaced with bold design defined by new organic forms. There’s a TFT screen ahead of the driver, while the infotainment system is pure Mercedes (as is the single-stalk controller for the indicators, wipers and main beam).
The rest of the switchgear is scattered across the wide transmission tunnel, including the starter button, which is a similar shape and size to the fan-speed controller above it, resulting in the odd fumbling moment as you try to start the car but succeed in only adjusting the air con.
Practicality is good. The trademark hatchback means easy access to a boot that has Porsche 911 and Audi R8 beaten for carrying capacity. The cabin is roomy, as well, with a little extra storage space behind the front seats.
But the best bit is that the Vantage feels incredibly special. The interior is almost completely covered in waxy, luxurious leather, and is a definite step up over all rivals in terms of material quality, if not outright build quality. This is a key, and somewhat overlooked, characteristic of all Aston Martins, and one the Vantage does not disappoint in.
Yes, the dash design is rather scattered and its generations-old Merc infotainment can be a bore to use, but everything you touch and smell reeks of that handmade, specialist feel that no rival from Germany can mirror.
