Author: Jack Evans

Jaguar’s all-electric I-Pace SUV may be able to travel over 200 miles on a single charge, but its complete lack of engine noise means it poses a problem to blind or visually impaired people.

To combat the issue, the British car manufacturer has created a unique Audible Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), which produces a sound that can be heard at speeds of up to 12.5mph.

The system exceeds new European legislation which is due to be introduced for all new electric vehicles from July 2019.

The technology, which took four years to develop, was tested by people involved with the Guide Dogs for the Blind organisation. The sound created is clearly audible outside the vehicle yet unnoticeable to those within.

A speaker housed behind the front grille plays the sound which can be heard from all angles, and increases or decreases in pitch and volume according to the car’s speed. It then disengages at higher speed, where wind and tyre noise gives a clear indication of the approaching vehicle.

Iain Suffield, Jaguar technical specialist, said: “The absence of a traditional engine noise from electric vehicles creates a problem for vulnerable pedestrians, such as the blind or visually impaired. This is especially true at low speeds in town centres and car parks.

“We developed the Audible Vehicle Alert System for the I-Pace to ensure the safety of all road users. Our potentially life-saving technology cannot be switched off and as it’s the leading charity for people with sight loss, we are pleased to have the support of Guide Dogs for the Blind to ensure real people are at the heart of our product testing.”

John Welsman of Guide Dogs for the Blind said: “There are two million children and adults living in the UK affected by sight loss. That is why we campaigned hard to make it compulsory for quiet vehicles to have sound-generating systems built in and turned on, including when the vehicle is stationary at a pedestrian crossing.

“We applaud Jaguar for being the first to launch an EV which meets standards before the new legislation even comes in and look forward to working with the company more in the future.”

Ford has undertaken trials of new connected car technology that could remove the problem of stop-start traffic and free up roads worldwide.

The system, called Intersection Priority Management (IPM), is being showcased on the streets of Milton Keynes this week, in a bid by Ford to show how the traffic-easing technology has genuine real-world potential.

IPM uses vehicle-to-vehicle communications to suggest optimum travelling speeds. It can even allow cars to pass by one another at junctions without the need to stop.

Each car is capable of broadcasting its location, as well as its direction of travel and speed. The on-board systems identify an upcoming junction while assessing the approach speeds of nearby vehicles simultaneously. The car can then pick an optimum speed so that each car can pass through safely.

Christian Ress, supervisor for driver assist technologies at Ford Research and Advanced Engineering, said: “We know that intersections and traffic lights can be a real bugbear for many drivers.

“With the connected car technology we have been demonstrating this week, we envisage a world where vehicles are more aware of each other and their environment, enabling intelligent co-operation and collaboration on the roads – and around junctions.”

The showcase of technology was part of the government-funded UK Autodrive project, which looks to improve traffic flow as well as increasing safety and efficiency.

Other technologies displayed were Collaborative Parking, which uses a crowd-sourced map of a car park to display available spaces, as well as Emergency Vehicle Warning, which can alert drivers to the location and proximity of approaching emergency services vehicles.

An advert for Nissan’s all-electric Leaf has been ruled as misleading by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

The online ad claimed that the Leaf’s battery could be largely replenished in under an hour, stating in a footnote that the charging time would depend on the type of charger used, as well as factors such as battery temperature and size.

Following its release, three complainants stated that the car sometimes took longer than the stated 60 minutes to charge, and would only accept one fast charge per day – challenging the manufacturer’s charging time claims and asking whether they were misleading and unsubstantiated.

As a result, the ASA found that as a result of the charging process taking longer in some circumstances, the advert “did not clearly convey the degree of variability in the time that may be required to deliver a certain amount of charge” and concluded that “the claims had not been substantiated and were likely to mislead”.

In response, Nissan edited the wording of the advert, changing it to state that drivers would “get from 20-80% charge in around 60 minutes”.

However, despite these amendments the ASA still deemed that the advert was “likely to mislead”.

The ASA ordered that the advert must not appear in the same form again, and told Nissan Motor GB “to ensure that their future advertising made clear the degree of variability in the time that may be required to deliver a certain amount of charge.”

A spokesperson for Nissan GB said: “We were very disappointed with the ruling made by the ASA although of course we will respect their decision. We constantly review and react to customer feedback to ensure that we are giving the very best possible service and information.

“We are pleased to see that the New Leaf is performing well, and meeting our customers’ expectations, and will work closely with them to ensure that this continues in the future.”

The Paris Motor Show 2018 was plagued with issues before the doors even opened. Several key manufacturers – Volkswagen, Nissan, Infininti and more – announced prior to the event that they wouldn’t be attending, which left many thinking that it would be somewhat of a ghost show.

However, despite the drop-outs, this year’s Paris show threw up several key new cars and reveals – along with a number of celebrity appearances. Here, we look at some of the key aspects of the 2018 Paris Motor Show.

BMW 3 Series

We’d been teased several close-up images of the car prior to its full reveal at this year’s show, but this is the first time that we’d seen the car in full. The new 3 Series is wider, longer and slightly taller than the car it replaces, and this means it’s able to offer better interior and luggage space.

Initially offered with 320d diesel and 330i petrol powertrains, the 3 Series is due to arrive early next year. Prices are set to start at £33,610.

Porsche confirms 911 Speedster will enter production

The 911 Speedster Concept had been showcased to the public back in July, but it was at the Paris show that it was finally confirmed for production. Featuring the same chassis as that on the current 911 GT3, as well as a powerful flat-six engine, the Speedster will be limited to just 1,948 units – a reference to the year that the original Porsche 356 ‘Number 1’ gained its operating licence.

It’s also the first Porsche vehicle available with a new Heritage Designs Package, which gives customers better personalisation and customisation options.

Mercedes B-Class

Small MPV vehicles may not be a hot topic at the moment given the momentous rise of the crossover, but Mercedes-Benz has decided to stick with the segment with its new B-Class. Based on the A-Class platform, it’s been designed to take on the 2 Series Active Tourer.

https://twitter.com/MercedesBenz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1047018345445249025&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fexplore.pressassociation.com%2F%23!%2Fready%2Fstory%2F7d3d1758-cf48-4d29-908a-019c43cb6a21

Alongside plenty of interior space and a decent range of economical engines, the B-Class also features Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment operating system, as well as a host of safety assistance systems.

David Beckham pledges allegiance to new Vietnamese car maker

It was one of the surprises of the show. Little-known Vietnamese manufacturer Vinfast revealed its new saloon and SUV models with the help of a famous footballer – one David Beckham, no less.

Though ‘Golden Balls’ had few words to say when on stage – “It’s incredible. It’s beautiful. It’s sleek. It’s modern. It’s high tech. It’s premium. It’s incredible. Congratulations.” – the former England captain was more than happy to receive a Vietnamese flag from co-host Tran Tieu Vy, winner of Miss Vietnam 2018.

Robert De Niro reveals new all-electric vehicle

Beckham wasn’t the only celebrity to put his name against a new vehicle at Paris this year. Actor Robert De Niro was announced as an ambassador for the new – and similarly named – Kia e-Niro. Capable of offering a 301-mile all-electric range (the crossover, not the ‘Taxi Driver’ star), the e-Niro will slot in alongside the Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in the range.

The Kia family has a new member. Introducing our new star: the Niro.

Click to find out more➡️https://t.co/yj4yCua2x9 pic.twitter.com/qQPP8noaoR

— Kia UK PR (@KiaUKPR) October 2, 2018

The new e-Niro has already entered production and is due to go on sale towards the end of the year.

Peugeot 508 SW First Edition

Peugeot chose its home turf to reveal its new 508 First Edition, kicking off sales of its new estate car across Europe with this introductory specification. As is the way with range-topping trims, the First Edition packs a wealth of standard equipment and comes with the choice of two engines – one petrol and one diesel.

Peugeot has yet to announce prices for the 508 SW First Edition, but expect it to come in above the £37,014 asking price for the equivalent hatchback model.

 

Hyundai N Option Accessories range

Hyundai’s N offering – currently just the i30N hatchback – has enjoyed a decent amount of success in the UK, but Hyundai today announced a series of upgrades for those who the standard car isn’t quite out-there enough.

Called N Option, the selection of upgrades includes quad exhaust pipes and new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance tyres. It allows drivers to add to the look and performance of their i30N car. Hyundai has, as yet, not announced when this new accessories range will be introduced.

Renault EZ-Ultimo

Ever wanted a luxurious, autonomous limousine? Then here’s the car for you – Renault’s EZ-Ultimo. Dubbed by the French manufacturer as a ‘premium travel experience, the EZ-Ultimo is capable of travelling 310 miles on all-electric power and packs Level 4 autonomy – meaning it can travel without any input from the driver.

It’s the third autonomous concept car to be released by Renault, and gives an insight into the brand’s plans for the future.

The prominent infotainment screen on Tesla’s Model 3 became an issue for one owner recently, after police mistook the vast display for a laptop computer strapped to the dashboard and pulled them over.

Tesla owner Jon Hall recorded the incident via his rear-facing dashcam, which captured the moment a police motorbike pulled him over to tell him “you’re not allowed to have your computer mounted on there.”

The display in the Model 3 is one of the largest in the business, at 15-inches and mounted in landscape orientation in the centre of the dash. It’s second only in fact to its siblings – the Tesla Model X and Model S, which both use 17-inch, portrait-mounted displays.

That hefty display is necessary though, as it not only shows sat-nav and media but controls all of the car’s functions and even functions as a gauge cluster.

Luckily for Hall, he was able to explain the screen’s functions to the traffic officer, explaining: “This is stock with the car. This literally is my only centre console. I can’t remove this – it’s how I control my air-conditioning.”

The officer appeared interested in the car, asking whether it was capable of ‘other computer functions’ and apologising for the unnecessary traffic stop.

Passed your driving test recently? First of all, congratulations. Second, you’ll probably be wondering which route you should take for your first car.

There are some brilliant deals around on brand-new cars, especially if you opt for the finance route – but for most, the first car is a used model, purchased outright with savings and perhaps with a bit of help from mum and dad.

The ideal first car has a few factors. First of all, it should be easy to drive for a newly-minted motorist – nobody wants to step out of their test and into something that’s difficult to manoeuvre. It should also be cheap to maintain, repair and — most crucially — to insure. Premiums on young drivers are the highest in the business, and key to keeping prices down is buying a car in a low insurance group.

But that doesn’t mean your first car has to be a dull, three-cylinder city car that only sets pulses racing if it’s about to crash. In fact, many brilliant cars can be had that fill all of these criteria. We’ve rounded up some of the best here, each of which should cost less than £5,000 to buy in good condition.

Ford Fiesta

Ok, so the Ford Fiesta is an obvious choice as a first car — but there’s good reason for that.

Britain’s best-selling motor offers anything any new driver could need — good styling, fun driving dynamics and strong levels of equipment at a reasonable price. Insurance costs are low for smaller-capacity engines, and thanks to wide availability, parts are easier to source than a Wikipedia footnote on a dissertation.

Mini One

If retro styling alongside rock-solid build quality appeals to you, then look no further than the Mini. Yes, it may pack a more powerful engine — the age of car we’re looking at in this budget has a 1.6-litre unit — and this may make insurance premiums slightly more costly, but accept this and you’ll also get a great-handling hatchback with decent residuals.

Mitsubishi Colt

The Mitsubishi Colt may not be a car to win you clout, but if you’re after a good-value machine that’s pretty much guaranteed to never break down — it could be the car for you.

High-spec CZ3 models with low miles can be had for well under our budget, leaving plenty of room spare for a stereo upgrade, or some dashboard accessories. Plus, as they’re going to run forever, you can expect to sell the car when the time comes for an upgrade without too much of a hit in value.

Mazda MX-5

Most two-seat sports cars will be out of reach for a first-time motorist, but the dinky Mazda MX-5 has plenty going for it. First of all, there are the engine choices – nothing bigger than 1.8-litres, and with a decidedly modest amount of horsepower.

Our budget of £5,000 will easily net you a good car without too much of the dreaded rust, and MX-5s are so widely appreciated that there will always be a supply of spare parts. Best of all, some of the earliest models are now old enough to qualify for cheap-as-chips classic car insurance.

Volkswagen Lupo

The Volkswagen Lupo was one of the first of a new generation of compact ‘city’ cars, and it executes this in typically efficient, well-built Germanic style. It’s a dinky little thing, the Lupo, but this means it’s dead easy to park, while light steering and a range of peppy engine make it ideal for urban driving. There’s a diesel available too – but don’t expect rocket-like performance – it’s a non-turbocharged powerplant and will therefore take a glacial 16 seconds to hit 60mph.

Chevrolet Aveo

The Chevrolet Aveo is a car you may not have heard of, if you have, probably forgotten about. The generation we recommend didn’t generate a lot of buzz and, with Chevrolet pulling out of the UK in 2015, we don’t hear about them that much over this side of the pond any more.

But from these series of unfortunate events has come some good, because you can now get a used Aveo for cheaper than the equivalent Ford Fiesta or even Vauxhall Corsa. Top-of-the range models come in comfortably under £5,000 — bagging youn a touchscreen infotainment system and bluetooth connectivity, which is almost unheard of at this price.

Volvo C30

Volvo’s image in past years has very much been that of the dowdy antiques dealer, the geography teacher – perhaps an accountant if you’re feeling really exotic. The C30 was a lone standout, bringing gorgeous styling inspired by the P1800 – yet still sat on a practical platform with a range of efficient engines.

In fact, under the skin the C30 is basically a Ford Focus, so maintenance and running costs should be simple. Insurance may be a little high for a 17-year old, but if you’ve passed your test later in life, it presents a stylish, yet affordable option.

Ford Ka

Ford’s little city car is a great choice for anyone on a budget. The Ka features a small range of small yet nippy engines that will get you around town effortlessly.

Being Ford’s entry level car means later generations of the Ka can be found well within this budget — while original cars are so cheap, you could easily buy, insure and probably run it for a few years with this kind of money.

Fiat 500

This retro Fiat is designed for those who want some style with their car; and comes well-equipped with classic Italian flare. It stays true to its roots from the original 500, offering the fashionista image in a machine capable of effortlessly zipping around town.

Thanks to its popularity, there’s plenty of examples to be had an insurance is pretty low as a result of its easy repair costs and wide availability of parts.

Ferrari has lifted the lid on two new limited-edition special-series models – the Monza SP1 and SP2.

Inspired by the Italian’s manufacturers historic racing cars, the Monza SP1 and SP2 have been unveiled as part of Ferrari’s Capital Market’s Day in Maranello – an event which sees the firm looking towards the future and detail its business plan for the coming years.

Presenting the new #FerrariMonzaSP2, inspired by the legendary #Ferrari sports cars of the past. https://t.co/H69e95WO2b pic.twitter.com/nwvewDg5sp

— Ferrari (@Ferrari) September 18, 2018

Designed to tickle the fancy of ‘dedicated clients and collectors’, the Monza SP1 and SP2 draw design inspiration from cars such as a the 1948 166MM, as well as the 750 Monza and 860 Monza.

The SP1 has been designed as a stripped-out single seater, while the SP2’s second seat means that a passenger can be brought along for the ride, too. An extensive utilisation of carbon-fibre has helped to keep both cars as light as possible, while the pair use the a V12 engine for drive – with each capable of hitting 60mph in a staggering 2.7 seconds from a dead stop.

Both cars feature doors which open upwards, while the bonnet of both the SP1 and SP2 is crafted from a single piece of carbon-fibre that is hinged at the front to allow a better view of the engine when open.

As a result of their lack of windscreen, the Monza SP1 and SP2 presented a challenge to designers looking to manage the amount of air directed into the cabin itself. Therefore, a ‘virtual wind shield’ – a system located into the fairing ahead of the instrument designed to redirect air flow to better driver comfort – has been implemented into the car’s design.

No prices for the Monza SP1 and SP2 have been announced, nor has the number of models destined to be produced.

What is it?

That’s right, it’s finally here. After years of teasers, reveals and promises, we’re finally behind the wheel of the BMW i8 Roadster. A soft-top version of the iconic hybrid sports car, the Roadster is aimed at those who want the wind in their hair when piloting one of the most futuristic looking vehicles available. It’s also able to offer genuinely low running costs and emits next to nothing, but can that help the i8 Roadster to top the bill when it comes to performance drop-tops? Let’s find out.

What’s new?

The biggest change here is, of course, the lack of a roof. BMW has whipped off the i8’s top and, because of its predominately carbon-fibre underbody, it hasn’t had to laden the car down with additional strengthening. That means the Roadster’s weight stays down, and as a result it’s just 60kg lighter than its hard-top brethren. The roof mechanism itself is clever too, taking just 15 seconds to raise or lower at speeds of up to 31mph. The exterior over the car has also been lightly breathed upon to freshen its looks, though we’ll come to those in more depth later.

What’s under the bonnet?

The i8 Roadster makes use of exactly the same powertrain as the regular i8, so you’ll find a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine linked to an electric motor. The combustion engine powers the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, while the electric motor powers the front wheels through a two-speed automatic ‘box. BMW has also increased the car’s battery cell capacity, so while you still get 369bhp and 570Nm of torque, the Roadster can still travel up to 33 miles on electric power alone. Both units combine to offer the best performance possible, with the electric motor filling in the gaps of the petrol’s power delivery. Thanks to this, 0-60mph takes just 4.4 seconds, and it can a top speed of 155mph too.

What’s it like to drive?

Usually when converting a regular hardtop into a convertible, you’d expect a significant penalty to the way the car drives. Lopping the roof off usually requires additional bracing to stop the car from flexing too much, and this adds weight, therefore blunting the vehicle’s performance. However, as we mentioned, the i8 Roadster hasn’t suffered too much with the conversion, with a negligible amount of weight added. This means that it steers just as keenly as the Coupe, and manages the weight it does have impressively well through the corners.

Push the i8 Roadster a little harder and it does fall into understeer, the front tyres scrubbing wide with little effort. We’d also like the brakes to be sharper; currently they feel underpowered and vague, leaving you guessing as to how much pedal force you need apply at any given moment.

How does it look?

The regular i8 still looks like nothing else on the road, despite having been around for some time now. The Roadster, in our eyes at least, looks even better – particularly in the ‘E-Copper’ colour our test car was finished in. The bubbles behind driver and passenger have been accentuated, giving it the look of a 1950’s racer, while the two-tone alloy wheels fitted to our test car stood out too.

The front of the car has benefited from some additional design touches too. There are revised air ducts finished in gloss black, while the headlight’s look has been updated as well. It’s still the i8 motoring fans know and love, just turned up a little bit more.

What’s it like inside?

The i8 Roadster’s interior remains largely unchanged over the Coupes, though it does benefit from the addition of a few new colour and material combinations. It’s still a well-made place to be, albeit one that is starting to feel its age a touch now; the screen, though clear, isn’t quite as pin-sharp as rival systems while the multifunction steering wheel hasn’t got the features you’ll find on other current BMWs.

The Roadster, does however, have practicality on its side. Though soft-tops are usually the less spacious option, this i8 packs more luggage space than its hard-top stablemate. In fact, you’ll find 188 litres of storage space in the Roadster – close to 35 litres more than the Coupe.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the i8 Roadster start at £124,735, there’s plenty of equipment included as part of that base price. You get 20-inch alloy wheels, for instance, and full leather upholstery too, while a suite of safety assistance systems such as forward collision warning, city collision mitigation and high beam assistant all help to keep the Roadster as safe as possible.

It can be easy to ramp up the car’s price however. Apple CarPlay, for instance, is a £235 optional extra – which seems a little mean given it is standard on the majority of hatchbacks currently on sale today. Our test car weighed in at a hefty £135,075, with options such as LaserLight headlights (£5,100) contributing to its rather chunky price tag.

Verdict

BMW already claims that the Roadster will outsell the Coupe three to one – and we’d we can already see that being the case. There’s little reason why you wouldn’t go for the soft top; it’s quick, great to look at and its roof mechanism is simple and easy to use. The hybrid powertrain keeps running costs to a minimum, yet despite there’s a whole lot of performance accessible under your right foot. It’s an impressive car alright, and one you’d likely never tire of driving.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: BMW i8 Roadster
Price: £135,810 (€171,390)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol linked to electric motor
Power: 369bhp
Torque (Nm): 570Nm
Max speed (mph): 155
0-60mph: 4.4
MPG: 141.9
Emissions (g/km): 46

What is it?

Aston Martin was faced with a tough act to follow when it discontinued its hugely capable Vanquish S last year, but it is hoping that this – the DBS Superleggera – has what it takes to fill its forefather’s shoes. Wading into battle with the Ferrari 812 Superfast firmly in its sights, the DBS is a meaner, faster adaptation of the DB11 platform. It also features a turned-up-to-11 version of Aston’s famed twin-turbo V12, which should give it more than enough performance to match its brutish looks.

What’s new?

Aston has really thrown everything it could at the new DBS. Many of the vehicle’s body panels have been crafted from carbon-fibre to reduce weight, while a lightweight bonded aluminium structure helps keep the DBS’ bulk down further. There is, of course, that V12 engine too – though we’ll look at that in more detail shortly.

You also have, thanks to a double-diffuser, a car which generates genuine downforce – 180kg at its highest speed, in fact. Make no mistake, this is one Aston that is out to drive just as well as its jaw-dropping styling looks.

What’s under the bonnet?

Here’s where things get really interesting. Powering the DBS Superleggera is a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, the same as you’ll find in the DB11. However, whereas that engine in the DB11 AMR produces 630bhp, the DBS kicks out 715bhp and an incredible 900Nm of torque. With power sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF transmission, the DBS can hit 60mph in 3.2 seconds and continue onwards to a 211mph maximum speed. Hang the car in fourth gear when travelling at 50mph, and you’ll crack 100mph in just 4.2 seconds.

As you’d imagine, economy figures aren’t the best. Aston claims 22.9mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are pretty high at 285g/km. However, this is to be expected of a large, extremely powerful supercar.

What’s it like to drive?

The first, and overreaching factor when you first drive the DBS Superleggera is its unquenchable thirst for speed. Plant the throttle, there’s a slight pause, and then the whole car sprints forward like few other vehicles on sale today. It’s also accompanied by an interesting, turbocharger-led exhaust note – there’s a proper scream as they both spool up while accelerating.

The chassis is similar to that of the DB11, and in that sense, it shares the same feeling of cross-country readiness; there’s still a small amount of play to the suspension which, though still firm, reminds you that this is billed as an all-out grand tourer. Adaptive dampers are fitted as standard, and these do allow you to firm up or soften off the ride – a feature which is likely to be welcome on the UK’s rutted roads.

How does it look?

We can’t argue with the way the DBS Superleggera looks. It’s an immensely imposing car to look at, with its large front grille and angled bonnet scoops (with the latter a reference to the previous-generation DBS) combining to create one angry looking car.

The DBS comes with elegant forged wheels, and these do help to contribute to the car’s overall thuggish looks. We’ve heard criticism of the lack of a traditional ‘winged’ Aston Martin badge at the rear of the car, here replaced by the brand’s name in chromed letters – but in the flesh, it doesn’t look all that bad. The large grille somehow works well with a British number plate too; if anything, it helps to break up the vast expanse of black. Our test car, in ‘Satin Xenon Grey’, looked particularly mean.

What’s it like inside?

The interior of the DBS is finished beautifully, with the soft leather used throughout the cabin helping to create a luxurious feeling. During our time with the car, everything felt well put together, and nothing squeaked or rattled – though you’d hope so given the car’s £225,000 base price.

We’re still left underwhelmed by the main infotainment area. It just remains – as it does on the DB11 – simply too cluttered, and too littered with many, many buttons. It can make simple actions, such as changing the interior temperature, far more of a hassle than it really needs to be. That said, it’s contrasted by a steering wheel which is beautifully shaped and trimmed in Alcantara.

What’s the spec like?

There’s plenty of kit included with the DBS as standard. You get Aston’s 8.0-inch infotainment pack – a Mercedes-borrowed system which works reasonably well despite lacking the sharpness and clarity offered by rival manufacturers – alongside a full satellite navigation system and a premium audio system.

New Aston DBS today. Angry looking thing, this one pic.twitter.com/8P4ZfVjooP

— Jack Evans (@jackrober) July 10, 2018

You also get a 360-degree parking camera, which really does come in handy on the DBS – it’s a very large car, with corners that are difficult to see and a rather small rear window which combined, make parking a bit tricky.

Verdict

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera more than eclipses the Vanquish S it replaces. It feels more composed, more up-to-date and more exciting to drive, too. Its performance is intoxicating; the twin-turbo V12 delivers all of the drama you could possibly want from a supercar, and its styling is different enough to help it completely stand out against any other car of its type on sale today. It’s an exceptionally well-rounded and truly capable offering from Aston.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: DBS Superleggera
Price: £225,000
Engine: 5.2.-litre twin-turbo V12
Power: 715bhp
Torque (Nm): 900Nm
Max speed (mph): 211
0-60mph: 3.2
MPG: 22.9
Emissions (g/km): 285