Perhaps what distinguishes them is the fact that they might turn their noses up at sports cars seemingly styled for lottery-winning soccer hooligans. They steer clear of the compromises sporty machines often entail, such as a bone-jarring ride quality and little regard for luxury.

Aston Martin has always believed in building sports cars the civilized way. Beautiful, hand-crafted vehicles infused with cutting-edge technology for the ultimate in performance and driving dynamics.

Much like James Bond, who has been driving Aston Martins ever since Goldfinger hit the screen in 1964, an Aston epitomises the fusion of athleticism and class. It's the kind of car that will hold its own at a track day and then still raise eyebrows when you arrive at the smartest cocktail party in town that night.

Muscular yet elegant, you'll find few people who don't lust after one. While Aston customers may seem similar at heart, they do vary in the degree of performance, space and aggression they seek in a car, which is why the marque offers a vast range of cars. Enticing as that sounds, it makes it rather difficult to decide which type of Aston driver you are.

The Cars in Action office has hosted many debates as to which model is the most desirable. In the end we thought it fair to present you with a run-down on what we believe each model represents.

Vantage – youth and energy

The most compact Aston in the range, its design does full justice to the marque with its low stance, elegant lines and wide, muscular rear haunches. Minimal front and rear overhangs and compact dimensions also lend it a slightly more aggressive stance than its larger stablemates.

Aston Martin Vantage

Its design is also largely dictated by driving pleasure, which is where the unique, all-alloy 'vertical horizontal' architecture comes into its own, along with the use of lightweight materials, optimally positioned for an excellent weight distribution. To this end, the engine has been place well behind the front axle line to form what is effectively a front mid-engine car.

The Vantage makes no compromises on performance, with a choice between V8 and V12 power. The 4.7-litre V8 engine develops 313kW and 470Nm and is capable of a claimed 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 290km/h.

Customers seeking a more hard-edged Vantage could opt for a sports pack, which brings lighter alloy wheels, re-tuned Bilstein dampers with improved dynamic response, up-rated springs and a revised rear anti-roll bar.

The V8 drives either a six-speed manual transmission or 'sportshift' transmission with sport and comfort modes. Changes can also be made via paddles located behind the steering wheel.

For those that seek the ultimate in performance in this agile package, the V12 Vantage will soon be available in South Africa. It is the most potent production sports car that the company has ever built.

Powered by a 6-litre, V12 engine with 380kW and 570 Nm, it records a claimed 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h. The V12 drives a six-speed, manual transmission, and the car’s suspension has been lowered and stiffened.

The V12 Vantage can be distinguished by enhanced aerodynamic and cooling aids that make the car appear wider.

Whatever the choice, drivers will appreciate the softer side of the Vantage after sinking into the luxurious cabin, with its hand-stitched electrically adjustable full grain leather seats and modern facia with a sporty combination of alloy, graphite and leather.

What's more, those seeking the ultimate in wind-in-hair motoring can also opt for the V8 Vantage Roadster.

Page 2 – DB9: the gentleman

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