Published:
22 March 2012Aston Martin takes a very particular approach with its interiors that will probably enthuse and infuriate in equal measure, depending on the priorities of its occupants. Those who like things on the showy side will be in heaven, for there is plenty of automotive jewellery in here.
But those more interested in how things work are likely to put their blood pressure in the danger zone the moment they try even a simple task like setting a destination on the dreadful, ancient sat-nav system. The centre console is a myriad of buttons, many of which are concealed behind the huge, ugly gear lever, and while acclimatisation will eventually familiarise you with their operation, we suspect you’d be in your grave before it became remotely intuitive.
That said, the driving position is excellent and the illegible dials are less of a problem than you might imagine, thanks to a large digital speedo and change-up lights that remove the need to use the revcounter. The steering wheel, which adjusts for rake and reach, is of the correct diameter for such a car – albeit with a rim that’s a smidge too thick and squishy for our tastes – and the weight of the pedals is perfectly judged, even if the throttle movement is slightly too long.
Behind the seats are two hollowed-out shells where the DB9’s rear seats have been removed, allowing Aston Martin to refer to the DBS (somewhat annoyingly) as a “2+0”. Still, it’s welcome extra luggage space to supplement a boot that’s wide but not very long and rather shallow.
