Why the New Aston Martin Vantage is Not For Me | TEST DRIVE

The new Aston Martin Vantage landed, and of course it grabbed my attention as a potential Shmeemobile alongside my Vantage GT8, the last of the previous generation. After expressing interest and completing a spec, the final price landed higher than I had expected. Now that the car has arrived to test drive, do I regret my decision, should I still be buying one?
For the new Vantage, Aston Martin worked with the expertise of AMG for the engine; a 4.0l biturbo V8 making 510hp and 685Nm. Combining that with an 8spd automatic gearbox, stylish looks and modern interior makes it quite an interesting proposition. However, having looked into a car and running through a spec, it came out to approximately £150,000, but is it worth that price?
Thanks for watching, Tim
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[@Shmee150]

My first opportunity to drive the new Aston Martin Vantage, a car that has definitely been of interest to me as a future Shmeemobile. However, with a rather high price tag I've not gone for it at the moment, what do you think I should do?

[@Officialgoat236]

Im first here at least

[@Chris.m.e]

Hi shmee I think you should wait for another Limited edition of a supercar. I like your GT8 even more than this New one. How many have they made of the GT8 and do you know at what price point its at? ☺️

[@kevinDG7]

It a great car.but maby wait until AM sale it with a manual gearbox. I think than you have a great car for daily driving and some track time

[@ericsmith506]

Aston Mazda Mx-5 Martin Vantage?

[@lexRTD.]

Shmee150 then the car is for me.but like our videos keep the great work and for saw many months before I subscribe 🤗😀

[@stefanrhys44]

I’ve never been a fan of the old vantage design, it looked a bit like an ugly bug to me, but this vantage is BEAUTIFUL! The back of it is absolutely gorgeous, those curve along the headlights and trunk wing- damn! The quad pipes look much better than the single pipes though, I think this car is definitely one of the best looking Astons and by sound, better than the previous Vantage in my opinion

[@allensaunders449]

Unsupervised driving is the best kind for any real car review. Come on aston

[@Shmee150]

I'm sure I'll have another outing soon

[@DanielSadjadian]

Agreed, if you're going round a track for the first time, having an instructor is brilliant. He'she will teach you the correct driving line, makes the experience so much more fun.

[@xhillb6185]

Allen Saunders the instructor ws annoying

[@mbp1505]

Why ?

[@spitymaeh]

Having a personal instructor on a track is the best thing ever and Tim wanted to talk about bs when he had the chance to go all in on a race track without spending any money on his own cars for brakes, tires etc. which are used very much on a race track.

[@MrHav1k]

This thing looks incredible and the interior is a quantum leap forward from the old one. I'd get one if I had the cash lmao.

[@dlg78]

The interior looks like something from the 1990s

[@dlg78]

@Amarjit Singh it looks OLDER than the old interior.

[@Officialgoat236]

I got my license yesterday and can't wait for Sunday to go out for a ride on my bike. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy 😀

[@Officialgoat236]

Hey shmee can I get a heart for this comment

[@Shmee150]

Amazing, have fun but be safe out there

[@Officialgoat236]

Shmee150 thank you

[@bnastali]

Sounds like Tim is saying this car is not for Shmee...

[@keklas69]

Thanks for your video and honest assessment. I agree Aston's charge a premium for an Aston. I've owned a '12 V8 Vantage and it was more expensive than a comparable 911 and I also had a 2015 911 GTS convertible which significantly outperformed the V8 Vantage in every way. I like the new car's looks - the front end, the clamshell hood, the plain exhaust pipes - and I love the engine (I had a 2016 C63S). I ordered one (Lightening Silver with Black and gray two-tone interior) and am hoping I find the buttons as easy to use as the array of buttons in my old Porsche. I am paying for the 'theatre' of the Aston over a 911 or AMG GT. The 911 and AMG GT are nice cars but I get the same thrill in driving a C63S and their interiors are not in the same class as the Aston (if you can deal with the buttons)

[@Tbland0930]

I do prefer the looks of the Vantage over the DB11, but the DB11 definitely looks more upscale as it should. I agree with others saying it has MX5 inspired headlights, but wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. I think the car is successful as a successor.

[@Falnky]

I understand why some people might get overwhelmed by tons of buttons but for me personally, that's a huge plus. If I own a car the buttons become second nature to hit without looking quickly, and I despise digging through menus for something that could be a quick button press. (And don't get me started on touch screens...)

[@henryzhang9915]

the center buttons just gave me goose bumps.

[@xPUR3xSHOTZx]

Is it just me who really likes the exhausts? they are real and look very raw as opposed to most modern cars which have fake overly big exhausts

[@TOMO.90]

Its a great car.. But just doesn’t feel as special as the previous one to me. Not sure if its the influence from Mercedes

[@Shmee150]

Oh for sure it's fantastic but I can't help but feel one or two things could be refined

[@robin4046]

It's good but not good enough to be called a vantage

[@MikiCentury]

Yeah, it's not as special as the previous model.

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

Tomo I know, I dunno what it is but something's just not doing it, like they've almost gone and done a McLaren or Porsche except far more overpriced.. it's a good start I suppose but it's missing something, like a magic touch, a niche or USP. 🤔

[@triss23199]

it's like they stopped building the car at the exhaust tips and then didn't know how to finish it

[@PorscheGTRSWeissach]

triss 23 Haha! Good point! The standard exhaust tips look rediculous! Go for the quad sport exhaust! ;-)

[@budokhai]

If it had a "sporty shape" they would make it fake, so people would complain as well.

[@xPUR3xSHOTZx]

I like the exhausts to me they look very raw as opposed to most modern cars that have fake exhausts

[@PorscheGTRSWeissach]

Lucas Proco Maybe... But this is a styling thing too! It just looks better with some impressive tips like R35 GT-R for example! I know the R35 tips are a bit fake too but it will look better! Or install a bigger aftermarket exhaust system like Armytrix or similar! ;-)

[@saoz3]

I'd just like to see them be a little bigger, these are tiny

[@nickb-]

Great to see an honest review . . . pros and cons. Too often KZbinrs are more worried about pissing off the car manufacturer and not getting an invitation to the next test than they are about pointing out the faults in a vehicle.

[@carloscortez7786]

I just got mine today. Was able to get a good price because of the "outdated infotainment system". I could care less about that. My goodness. The engine. The suspension. And we're worried about it not being able to link to Apple Play? Ridiculous. Incredible sports car. Bond would be happy with this AM.

[@rudye2323]

How's the reliability

[@KUROSHURA]

The headlights are killing it. I loved it at first. But now it’s starting to look funny and weird to me.

[@Don-pk2uy]

Takamusasu agreed , the lights are too small

[@KUROSHURA]

Don Smith yeah, if the headlights were more longitudinal and sculpted akin the DB10 concept then it would have all meshed together quite well.

[@KUROSHURA]

😩😩😩 and i still want one. gonna wait for the manual. Body coloured front lip and aero will clean up its lines.

[@jamdown1ify]

Very very ugly what have they done

[@lucassitanggang5154]

Who is Shmee? He can drive every car, every Supercar and Hypercar with the permission and license

[@farenkofi]

Shmee is always so excited about the cars he loses his breath.

[@NEOJAKE]

I’m right there with you shmee... I just bought the v12 vantage s over this new one.

[@Shmee150]

Congrats, epic car, that sound is go die for

[@shihanarifai6640]

NEOJake congrats..bit jealous cause of the sound of the car gotta admit haha

[@guitaralmond]

I’m with you NEOJake, fantastic driving experience.

[@craigmak]

NEOJake perfect choice. The V12 Vantage is probably going to be one of the last great cars ever created. Infinitely better than this new, over styled model. This thing looks stupid.

[@charkieee7866]

NEOJake every one get this guy to 1000 subs

[@brightbluesmurf]

Good point about the exhaust pipes, headlights and button clutter totally agree

[@timtam53191]

From the POV as he drives the chassis looks very balanced and alert. Looks like an improvement over the previous aston models.

[@huss03]

They've gone from having arguably the best looking car in the world with the previous model, to having obviously NOT the best looking car in the world with this one. They've gone from having arguably the best sounding car in the world with the previous model, to having obviously NOT the best sounding car in the world with this one. Nice work Aston...Progress!

[@Nara-kun]

I think the new Vantage looks soooo much better then the DB11, specially the rear-end.

[@jojodivas9211]

Narakumo the engine is making me denying that it’s a true aston martin....

[@Nara-kun]

Well, i was talking about looks, and not the engine, but each to their own..

[@kiwidan2271]

Agreed. Really don't like the rear of the DB11

[@anjusoni6421]

I think u need new eyes

[@TheRokisaProductions]

Anju Soni These folks need new eyes definitely

[@pacrat90]

I think we were just so spoiled with the previous gen vantage we were expecting another master-stroke, which isn't fair to Aston Martin. I do think this car falls ill to the same affliction of so many British sports cars, we struggle to appreciate them in the now and I'm sure in a few years we will look back at this as a beautiful car worthy of the Aston badge.

[@nathanbowyer3203]

When I first saw this car in the pictures, I barely hesitated before I decided it’s a gorgeous machine. Even though it’s dramatically different, they pulled it off perfectly

[@mikesturboss]

I love it how he color cordenates the beginning to the color of the cars nice work

[@captaincrumpet5558]

Have to admit this is the first Aston Martin in a long time that's actually resonated with me. Finally featuring up to date tech, along with cool new innovations to the styling, it works for me.

[@MrMattouven]

The word that comes to my mind about the design, is simple. Nothing complex. And I really like it a lot!!

[@Britishshooter]

Good review, I agree about the unnecessarily fussy interior, I really think Aston should have come up with something a lot more stylish and functional after all this time. I like the overall style but hate the protruding lips around the front and rear, again too fussy and aerodynamics can be hidden these days, not to do so is a step backwards and looks a bit boy racer. Still I probably will buy one when they make a manual.

[@TheBobjovi]

I'm glad to hear something "negative" from Tim. His usual unending positivity and praise gets bit disingenuous

[@petter6710]

Great to see an honest overview. After designing the rear AM ran out of money/ideas for the front end

[@DillonMeredith]

I love the blue accents on the seats and door panels. And that engine though!

[@360FAMOUZ360]

Its nice but a bit meh Nothing exciting about it or the way it looks

[@lorenzoxcucco]

yeh

[@antoinep9733]

Famouz Yeah, front looks like a Mazda, the rear like a Jag.

[@zsm5833]

to me it seems like they havent finished the front styling

[@danderson8463]

In profile it looks too squashed, too Japanese, and the hideous black stuff at the front and rear is inexplicable.

[@12799MaDeuce]

I just can't bring myself to like this car

[@alien2375]

12799MaDeuce the Mazda looking headlights though

[@craigmak]

ALIen the entire front looks horrible. It's like they didn't finish that grill. Very tacky looking compared to the elegance of the previous Vantage.

[@gveresUW]

I agree. I love the shape of modern Astons, but this one is one ugly car for an Aston. That front end looks like a mazda miata. They have lost the nice side profile shape that all Aston's have had. And that back end just doesn't do anything to excite me. Such a disappointing design from Aston. And just the other day I was noticing that merc GTS had over taken Aston as my favourite current (reasonable) car. If this is the new design style that aston is going towards, they have dropped from my favourite to - oh man, I wouldn't touch it. :(

[@theBhavMan]

The back I can appreciate but from the side, it looks like a stout baby

[@anismirawi]

from the back it looks like a baby who is about to cry

[@nazart7830]

anis miraoui damn it, now I can’t unsee that!

[@robin4046]

And at the front it looks like a fat Asian drooling over a hot ass.

[@zhain0]

and from the front it looks like a mx5 lol

[@Tbland0930]

Tried for 5 min to see that and got nowhere. Pass the blunt.

[@misophone]

☠️

[@1962gms]

This, a 911 GT3 RS or an AMG GTR - interesting choices all. But the Aston is always going to be an Aston, which for me is a good thing. I like the looks and as we know colours are an owners preference. Buttons, maybe too many, but when you are ‘making progress’ buttons beat a touch screen hands down, so I can live with them. Good review, I’d buy one over the alternatives.

[@tnewland2383]

Not my cup of tea. So glad to have sprung for a '15 V8 Vantage GT roadster. This is not the first time a car company has taken a step back from an iconic design; nor, unfortunately, will it be the last. Are you listening Porsche?

[@phantom2k10]

The car is stunning and looks even better with the carbon exterior

[@kvamme4598]

You might not Get the car, but my god i really love it

[@foho100]

I like it when you are honest :). It sometimes feels like you are giving some cars the props they might not deserve. Or maybe the competition is that good :D. NIce video!

[@675-l9j]

Your videos have improved a lot you are much less softer now with your reviews aswell as on video driving

[@itmustbelove08]

It’s very divisive styling wise and that’s something I appreciate. Do I think somethings are off sure but I thought that of the previous Vantage. Nothing is perfect but this looks fantastic in my opinion and I respect Aston for not playing it safe and making a smaller DB11.

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

Some minor differences would make it look better. The front should lose the giant lip around the grille and opt for a smoother finish, similar to the DB10. The rear diffuser should have a flat top instead if mirroring the taillight and it should not be so pronounced.

[@141shubhankarjamdar8]

Awesome video Tim, but when is your FORD GT arriving?

[@justina9914]

Aston, do these to fix the vantage: Put the dbx infotainment in the vantage More powerful v8 or v12 Weight reduction

[@TheRetroShed]

The last Vantage was a thing of beauty. I worked at Gaydon for a while and always thought Vantage S was my favourite Aston but this new model I’m just not a fan of. That front end looks like a flatfish. It’s just too wide. I’m sure it’s a stunning car but the old Vantage design is prettier in my opinion.

[@allensaunders449]

The new vantage is a good car I'm sure but you have better cars already. In fact I would rather have your new tvr griffin direct competitor

[@Shmee150]

The TVR is £50k cheaper too

[@allensaunders449]

Shmee150 i know but similar territory in about everything as long as you are willing to take a chance on a new company

[@denisspratt926]

The new Vantage looks and sounds great. But as you say the new Griffith is a direct competitor. And much cheaper. Unfortunately i came in a bit to late for one of the Launch Edition of the new Griffith. But i do get the details from TVR when they release the specs on the normal versions. So i am exited for that.

[@Leeviiii758]

when is that car coming shmee?

[@samkwant4050]

I personally think this is the least classy Aston so far, I'd have a TVR and get a nice BMW estate for the change

[@stevedwong1346]

Funny how this Aston is decked out in Blue w/ Blue int. Thank's for the experience, Sweet! Cheer's from $ast-Van B.C., Canada

[@renorzeta]

I wonder why ppl not liking it i like Old Vantage but still i really like new Vantage too , i don't find it headlight that like the Mazda at all in fact it similar to old Mazda . and the Facts is it Aston Martin and you know what you can do with it especially the Optional their have for you to try and make it your specialty both exterior but the Interior is especially most stunning part of the Aston Martin none have this many varieties to choose and make it to your personality in these price range . and that Mercedes Engine is just so good since it can even ties to ties against 4wd Huracan on the Launch and the special thing is it going to have Manual Gearbox and Bringing Aston Martin out to your places is always special thing since it attract lots of ppl attention . Car aren't GT like like Old Vantage but pretty much like 911 458 488 for it harshness and sport feel but also more comfortable than other super Sport car. but i sure their Cup holder not going to hold Cups since it has very few holder arm. Reason ppl find old Vantage is because Old Vantage win a lots i mean WIN a Lot. Normally Aston Martin aren't catches a eyes of ppl when ppl just seen it at the first time and i know ppl will not like it at first and when their seen it more and more most ppl will change their opinion since their Design were so out of the BOX . like when i see the New Vanquish and DB11 ppl say lots of negative thing but when the time goes by more ppl liking it a lot. and their Car will looking a lots Beautiful when the time goes by. I like DB11 more since it the Real GT Car and i like comfortable Car since Driving in City or to work is pain in the butt and it drained my Energy. but just some occasion for sport car.

[@Frank-om4fc]

From the front it is ugly not just strange, pity as it replaced a real beauty. Great upload Shmee!

[@toraow]

It looks somewhat like a fancy miata. I'm with you and your decision!

[@roadcarsmagazine]

Nice video. I definitely want one. I also like the color of the car you got to try out.

[@saoz3]

I don't understand how people an say this car looks bad. you're entitled to your own opinion, but looking at it in this video, you can't deny that the shape of the car looks pleasing. sure, the headlights are bad, and the back end of the car is unfinished, but it's still beautiful. The downside I see is the price and the interior.

[@daarupappe]

It's great but I'll take the AMG GTS mainly because not only is it cheap but it also looks better(in my opinion) and the aftermarket products are more and it won't depreciate as much and lastly better reliability and cheaper to maintain

[@ej1635]

Gundeep Virdi and they basically have the same engine aswell.

[@TheTmat007]

Gundeep Virdi I'd take the the Audi R8 V10 Plus over either. It is a better car for the money, in my opinion. Plus, it has a NA V10 engine.

[@philliphoffman3979]

Tyran Mathurin yea me too. However the AMG GT isn’t in the same league as the R8 plus. The R8 is loads faster

[@TheUglySlug666]

Phillip Hoffman Turbo S is al lot nicer and faster.

[@philliphoffman3979]

Rast not rly. The turbo S has no exhaust note, and it blends in

[@andysgaragetherapy]

Your stable of cars is already pretty epic, and frankly having the GT8, which is an absolute monster, sounds incredible, fits the bill over this. I do absolutely love the blend of Aston Martin tradition with the Mercedes influences modernizing the interior very nicely

[@shanescarlife]

One of the things i like most about your channel, Tim, is the variety of videos you make. Car reviews, travel, aftermarket stuff. On the Vantage, i'm loving the new car, but i wish they had stayed with that iconic glass key. Cheers, Tim!

[@Shmee150]

Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it

[@jamelcharles3357]

Shmee150 great video are you going to goodwood festival of speed this year

[@Shmee150]

Yes I am

[@super117knight]

Although it doesnt really sound like i want an aston to sound It looks fucking amazing

[@lexRTD.]

Love your videos 🤗😀

[@jwwatches1234]

Great video what colour is this

[@robertcazacu4149]

To be honest Tim I don’t like the man from your left is too cheeky😬 you have enough knowledge to drive one car on the track

[@benzclubru]

What sucker u use for x3000?

[@Shmee150]

Joby mounts, you will find them on my website!

[@benzclubru]

Shmee150 thank u !:)

[@ancientsithl0rd587]

Love your videos!!!

[@Mark_Isaiah]

love this car! cant wait to see wat they come out with next

[@Scorpio1075]

Price has clearly been an issue for most people, here in the United Stated you can find brand new leftover 2019 Vantage listed online for under $130K, about 25% off MSRP.

[@WheelzOH]

Those seats are ASTONishing

[@ItachiUchiha-xk1fr]

The lime green looks 10 times better. I love this new AM

[@HiGuysTomHere]

looks a bit like an f type !

[@khabaaustralia]

Front end is a let down along with 49 buttons in and side of centre console. Previous models looked better. This one looks like the designers had a that'll do attitude with it, front looks like a Mazda mx5

[@don-dadda8006]

Honestly THIS is a better looking car than the AMG-GT / GT-R. I actually love the buttons layout/design and quality of the buttons and their switches more than what I've felt in the GT-R. Some think it's busy, others feel that their VERY easily reachable and not much muscle memory needed. It's unique in it's design. Like comparing a Jaguar vs hammer-head shark ... both designed for different environments, yet each viscous in their plan of attack. I just wished Aston could produce more power and torque like that of the GT-R since it's actually a lighter car, even if it demands more from a REAL driver for reaching it's performance vs a chalet pretender driver.

[@aaronm2742]

Great video Shmee! Front end looks a bit like a mazda mx5

[@charliechetwood2358]

You need the sports exhaust, 4 tips and a better sound. I also think it looks fabulous from EVERY angle

[@alijamili95]

Will there be a standard gearbox option in the future?

[@anthonycarlo3079]

Why the Engine Bay cover located in the passenger side?

[@TheForresterOD]

Completely agreed with the exterior. I love everything about the sides and rear, but find myself conflicted on the front. It will grow on me, I'm sure, but it will never capture the timelessness of the previous gen.

[@Khaloof86]

Hey why is the bonnet release on the paseenger side?

[@resnonverba137]

Thank goodness it's better-looking than the DB11. I hope there is an option that will improve the looks and size of the exhaust tips as the standard items are somewhat underwhelming.

[@callumbennett2013]

Christopher Bell You can get the optional Quad Tip Sports Exhaust

[@resnonverba137]

Thanks. No doubt that would improve things considerably.

[@callumbennett2013]

Christopher Bell Yeah it sounds much better imo.

[@oskierox]

This one wasn’t equipped with the sports exhaust was it?

[@andrew8807]

Blue Aston, Blue sky, and Blue clothes Shmee! Blue blue!

[@joaodaniel5098]

I'm blue da ba dee da ba daa

[@Tbland0930]

And was the an NSX flyby at the end? Sounded nuts whatever it was.

[@CMOVlogs]

Aston Martin Vantage is a handsome car indeed.

[@kevv202]

Looks like Miata on front

[@DasHnezzEdits]

That's exactly what i was thinking. It could be any entrance sportscar for 35k euros.

[@Rock7132]

Agreed. It looks boring up front. Tiny headlights.

[@markpass4215]

The best seal off approval Aston could wish for...

[@joecovey2235]

I think some buttons are good. I think some new cars have too much you have to go find inside the infotainment system. I like the layout of the interior and that blue looks awesome. The headlights as you mentioned, I'm not so sure about, the rest looks fantastic.

[@yuvalsberlo5201]

Do you have any news about your two Focus rs’s?? And also what are your plans to do with them?

[@Shmee150]

No, I'm waiting for them

[@yuvalsberlo5201]

Shmee150 thanks,good to know

[@aryaman7116]

Hi shmee. How are you? When is your ford gt coming

[@hamzasandhu4070]

Hello sir is it possible admission in transporting college or university after matric

[@user-ln8rr3dl1p]

Definitely agree that this car isnt for you Shmee! Anyways, Mr JWW already has one...wouldn't want to watch another one of my favorite youtubers having the same content xD

[@monkeyboyuk28]

Tim, a great impartial review, your thoughts are my thoughts, to highly price pointed and those front lights just don’t do it for myself, love the rear end and interior but like you say it’s over busy in the centre console. Would sound better with a sports exhaust.

[@marcushogan6613]

I think aside from the grille it's a stunning car. If it had the same classic Aston grille like the DB10 concept it would look fabulous (although probably too similar to the DB10 for Aston Martin's tastes)

[@damienwood1414]

Lovely looking car, unsure on front lights and ride height. Nice driving mate :)

[@deanknight2786]

It’s a incredible car. I drove it. The negative comments below are somewhat valid. This is not a very good spec!

[@rubystarcarrera]

Hi Tim! Love your videos. Have you already planned a next visit to Klassikstadt in Frankfurt? I‘d love to be meeting you there (:

[@michaelstoyanov339]

Is it that "it ISN'T for you" because the didn't GIVE you one? wink, wink...

[@whitecar8]

I agree with your comments. Thanks for being honest.

[@RogerOThornhill]

The trim details inside and out look like the sports option of a mid-2000s Ford Fiesta.

[@TomCalilaphitherepeople]

It'll be awsome to watch your aston martin and Mr. JWW's aston martin to go on a roadtrip

[@PorscheGTRSWeissach]

Tom Calilap James' Vantage looks really good but still prefer Tim's GT8! ;-)

[@ilopez9003]

Will be a V12 vantage of those?

[@MiHiHemi]

Pointing out tire sizes would be of interest on your walk-arounds.

[@stevedwong1346]

The way Your GT R is fixed up , it was wise not to purchase this version of Vantage due to You having a superior GT styled car w/ the Benz. Thank's again & Peace from $(E)ast-Van B.C., Canada

[@marcelboeltjes9148]

good first look and honest too. Not saying it is the best car you can buy because it is British. Good job Schmee...........great car though