That’s the headline of this review of the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

WHAT WE LIKE: The outstanding performance comes from great body rigidity. Aston Martin says it uses lightweight alloys, magnesium and advanced composites to keep the weight down. Its handling seems so intuitive when you take twists and turns in the road.

EXTRAS: Aston Martins are hand-assembled and finished, and that craftsmanship is quite evident. The quality materials used throughout the interior contribute to the overall richness of the vehicle. Plus, there’s actually an element of practicality in the V8 Vantage, which isn’t a given among sports cars. For instance, there’s a fairly deep storage area under the hatchback. The center console is neatly arranged. The premium audio system is terrific.


AND ANOTHER THING: Be prepared to make a few stops at the pump. The Vantage gets 13 mpg city and 20 highway.


Price: $143,155 as tested

Well, the next time I have $143,155 lying around…