Images
Aston Martin's revitalised Vantage Roadster is fast in every way that matters. On the road. And in terms of its roof mechanism. No other convertible in the world opens you to the elements quicker.
+ More
Detailed ratings
Super-Luxury Convertibles
Background
We're in a new, more confident, better-funded era of Aston Martin models. One in which rival brands from Germany and Italy really need to worry about this Gaydon company's products. Further proof of that comes with this car, the Vantage Roadster.
It's based of course on the revitalised version of the post-2018-era Vantage Coupe that Aston launched in early 2024 and was developed alongside it. This Roadster model doesn't bear the brand's hallowed 'Volante' convertible nameplate (that's reserved for the drop top DB12 and Vanquish models). But it is in every way a classic Aston Martin. Let's take a closer look.
+ More
Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 175000 | 175000 |
| Insurance group 1-50 | 50 | 50 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 274 | 274 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 202 | 202 |
| Min | Max |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Combined Mpg | 23.3 | 23.3 |
| Length (mm) | 4385 | 4385 |
| Width (mm) | 1865 | 1865 |
| Height (mm) | 1260 | 1260 |
Driving experience
Open-top Vantage models have previously competed with cars like convertible versions of the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS and the Ferrari Roma. But this latest car's reworked twin turbocharged 4.0-litre AMG-sourced V8 lifts it beyond that and on towards junior supercar territory. It's 656bhp output is a big step up from the 505bhp of the original post-2018-era Vantage Roadster. And is not far shy of the 690bhp of the old V12 Vantage S Roadster, which is the most powerful open top Vantage Aston has produced to date. This modern model is just as fast as that old V12, making 62mph in 3.6s (just 0.1s slower than the Coupe version) en route to 202mph. Toupees will need to be very firmly tied down.
The engineering is of course the same as the Coupe, but this Roadster model carries an extra 60kgs of weight (courtesy of its roof mechanism). And instead of the Coupe's perfect 50:50 weight balance, here that's fractionally different - at 49:51 (front:rear).
Aston says this car's powerplant is very much a bespoke Vantage engine, improved from the earlier model with larger turbos, higher boost pressures, reprofiled camshafts and an optimised compression ratio. Drive is still sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed auto transmission mounted on the rear axle alongside an electronically-controlled limited slip differential. That gearbox has been toughened up, recalibrated and gives a shorter final drive for greater in-gear punch.
There are lots of changes beyond the engine too. The springs have been recalibrated and the dampers tweaked too, now working with a more sophisticated integrated vehicle dynamics system. As before, there's an adaptive damping system which incorporates Skyhook technology and offers the choice of Sport, Sport Plus and Track modes. Aston claims a 30% increase in stiffness across the rear axle. And reckons that an improvement in steering feel is the first thing drivers will notice about this improved model, achieved thanks to a new non-isolated steering column. The car was developed on UK roads and uses grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tyres bespoke-developed for it.
+ More
Design and build
What might sell you on this Vantage Roadster is the fact that it has the world's fastest folding roof. The fabric top opens or closes in just 6.8 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. Compare that to 13.5s for a Ferrari Roma Spider; or 15s for a Porsche 911 Cabriolet. That roof slots neatly away behind the rear seats. Compared to the previous post-2018-era Vantage Roadster, visual changes are of course as with the updated Coupe. Which means a completely different front end, with restyling for the grille, bumper and headlights. A little surprisingly, the rear bumper is also the same as that of the Coupe, with extra vents behind the rear wheels.
Inside, the latest Vantage cockpit is a welcome update. Primarily because of Aston Martin's latest infotainment system, its larger centre screen a vast improvement over the fiddly, dated centre monitor that was fitted before. The digital instrument panel is far clearer and more detailed too. A typical Vantage customer is likely to want to consider the optional carbon fibre bucket seats as an alternative to the standard Sport seat design. There are only two seats. If you need occasional rear pews in your Aston convertible, you'll need to upgrade to a DB12 Volante. Boot space takes a tumble with this Roadster body style, down from 350-litres with the Coupe to just 200-litres, so you'll have to pack light.
+ More
Market and model
You'll want to know the price - around £175,000 for this Roadster model, around £10,000 more than the Coupe version and quite a lot more than the earlier post-2018-era Vantage Roadster model. This Vantage is fitted as standard with the Aston Martin 390-watt 11-speaker audio system. However, true audiophiles will delight in the optional system developed with the brand's audio partner, Bowers & Wilkins. Acoustically engineered to the Vantage's interior volume and shape, this exceptional system uses technologies and innovations found in Bowers & Wilkins' acclaimed world-class loudspeakers.
There's a wide range of optional design upgrades, including rear privacy glass, extra carbonfibre detailing, gloss black upper body packages and pinstripe liveries. This Vantage features 21-inch forged alloy wheels as standard with 275/35 ZR21 Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 AML tyres at the front and huge 325/30 ZR21 rubber at the rear. Owners can choose to upgrade to Michelin's Pilot Sport Alpin 5 AML winter tyres if they prefer. There is a choice of three different wheel designs - standard Five-Spoke and optional Multi-Spoke and Y-Spoke - in a range of colours and finishes, including Satin Bronze, first introduced on DB12.
Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB) can be specified on Vantage as an option. Offering increased braking performance and reduced brake fade at temperatures of up to 800 °C, fitting CCB also saves 27kg in unsprung mass compared to the cast-iron braking system, which in turn improves ride quality and steering response.
+ More
Cost of ownership
The 4.0-litre V8 fitted to Vantage models may be Mercedes-sourced in the interests of efficiency but it isn't especially economical; you'll do well to better 20mpg in regular use (the official figure is 23.3mpg) and you'll need to think of a smoky CO2 figure of 274g/km. At least a decently sized fuel tank means a reasonable operating range - expect around 300 miles on average. Overall, you'd think that you could hardly annoy Greenpeace more if you were to attach a whale-harpooning gun to the bonnet. Yet should you be inveigled into conversation with a bearded type, you could point out that in some ways, this car is very green indeed. There's no wasteful recycling needed here because due to its build, no recycling is needed. There's nothing to rust and nothing to decay. Look after your Aston and it will still be thrilling people in fifty years time.
Back in the here and now, insurance of course is a top-of-the-shop group 50, but at least repair and servicing costs aren't desperately exorbitant. This car is, after all, designed for everyday use and must be relatively affordable as such. Residual values are about the same as those of a Porsche 911 Cabriolet - which means that they're very good indeed.
+ More
Summary
It's hard to imagine why you'd want a faster or more exclusive open-topped super sports car than this. The Vantage Roadster may be Aston's most affordable convertible but we also think it may well be its very best. And you'll only need a relatively modest lottery win for ownership.
The drawbacks here - a slight increase in weight, a slight reduction in the purity of balance and quite a big increase in price over the Coupe - are unlikely to deter many would-be owners. But if this Vantage really isn't quite enough, Aston Martin has a couple of further answers for you: Volante versions of the DB12 and Vanquish. Try this car first though. It might well offer everything you want. Everything you really, really want.
+ More
Have you considered these alternative models...
Find a Review
We have over 500 new and used car reviews to help you find your next car.
Browse reviews and model guides for all makes
