I recently got behind the wheel of my first Aston Martin at a Bowmore & Aston Martin collaboration whisky tasting. I was able to rev the engine, but that was not enough.
So today we were at the local dealership to get a test drive of the real deal. As I was when I first started driving and writing in the automotive sphere, I was intimidated and worried about potential hiccups and/or damage that might be done to the vehicle on my accord. More so as they copied our ID and took our credit cards to have on file, should my fear be realized.
Thankfully that was not the case, as the Aston Martin DB12 that we test drove is known as one of the most approachable luxury vehicles on the market. It was designed as an everyday driver in automatic with the ability to switch into manual with a toggle of the paddle shifts attached to the wheel.
Despite the shiny facade and glossy badge, the DB12 doesn’t require additional skills to man. Its smaller and sleek frame, plus sturdier chassis made it a smoother and easier to handle ride.
With a series of drive modes, we were advised to start with the Sport Plus from the getgo. To get the true taste of what it can do, as intended, then compare it to how the other modes temper it.
Majority of the controls are located on the centre console, functioning like your command centre. At a raised height it was within reach and at a comfortable relation to the lowered seat position. The only thing here we had issue with was the seat control placement. We found ourselves cranking our wrists and heads to view and adjust. Then the buttons themselves were plastic in feel, with no bounce back. I expected all the stops pulled and no expenses spared from the brand.
Much like the use of alcantara, a synthetic textile with a soft, suede-like microfibre pile. A few patches broke apart pieces of quality leather on the roof, in visible contrast. When you are at this echelon of car manufacturing you expect more.
I did like the weight and sturdiness of the air conditioning knobs. And the stand out of having a rolling dial to adjust temperature and volume with.
However, overall the whole of the cabin felt muted for its caliber. It lacked interior refinements, which furthered the theme of it being an approachable every day grocery getting, drop the kids off Aston. Although, despite their being two seats in the back, there isn’t enough leg room for it to be a comfortable ride for passengers big or small. Plus small and shallow compartments meant minimal storage and tight fit for belongings.
I really didn’t like the sound of the turn signal. A “tock” noise that mimic the beat of your heart’s rhythm, but came across as an impatient foot tap. When I first heard it I thought there was something loose under the hood.
It wasn’t a convertible, but we did open the sunroof as we played classic James Bond movie scores. We even dressed the part, channeling our inner bond film with suits.
You had the ability to opt in for a louder exhaust and stiffer suspension, both of which we exercised, considering this was a sports car with a lowered stance. Whereas a quieter exhaust and softer suspension felt like blasphemy. Especially as we spent our test drive cruising around downtown’s convention centre and through Stanley Park wanting be seen and heard.
As for the way it handles, we found it highly responsive to the driver’s touch, there is no doubt that you are in control of this high powered vehicle. It is just as sensitive in manual mode with very smooth gear changes with both paddles.
My ego loved the drive and being seen behind such a subdued, classy vehicle. It has a certain polish that refines everything in its vicinity, including the driver.
