Aston Martin DB9August 2010

One of the most beautiful cars of recent years, the DB9 is another reason to put an Aston Martin at the top of your lottery wish list.

Debuting in 2003, it was the first Aston to use the company's current aluminium platform, and suffered somewhat in the execution for pioneering this technology. It has improved over the years - a stronger behind-dash crossbrace in 2009 was one of many small ongoing improvements - but the DB9 is a less convincing package than the newer, cheaper Vantage. Its ride can get bouncy - despite new-for-2011 switchable adaptive dampers - and refinement is slightly weak for a high-speed Grand Tourer. Despite this the DB9 makes a great GT and a fine Aston, even if Jaguar's XKR is more accomplished.

The lavishly upholstered cabin combines pleasingly modern architecture with traditional materials, but some of its detail design is ageing, and the old-school sat nav is a struggle to master. It's a pity that Aston didn't tackle this with its mild 2011 model year make-over - the new adaptive dampers are the only alteration of substance. A revised front bumper, reprofiled sills and new lamp designs account for most of the rest of the changes.

The DB9's driving position is good and features plenty of adjustment, taller drivers being accommodated with relative ease. The rear seats are best reserved for luggage, but boot capacity is good for a car in this class.

Performance comes from a mighty 5.9-litre V12 engine mustering 470bhp, and it provides enough urge to propel the DB9 from 0-62 mph in 4.8 thunderous seconds and on to a top speed of 190mph. You must use the throttle and the gearbox decisively if you're to get the best from the car, which can be had with a conventional six-speed transmission or an excellent six-speed automatic. Most DB9s come with this option, which combines smooth gear-changing with quick-acting - and well-placed - paddle-shifts.

Dynamically, the DB9 combines excellent high-speed stability with keen, well-balanced cornering response, although it doesn't quite have the agility of mid-engined supercars, the rear-engined Porsche 911 or even Jaguar's conceptually similar front-engine, rear-drive XKR. Ride quality can turn curiously bouncy over rougher road surfaces and a surprising amount of road noise finds its way into the cabin on anything other than ultra-smooth tarmac.

The Volante cabriolet features a brilliant hood, but its svelte glamour is sometimes undermined by body shake over bumps. Yet despite its flaws the velvet muscle of the mighty coupe has compelling allure - and impressively, its character is distinctly different from the sportier Vantage, despite the two sharing much core hardware.