Used 2012 Aston Martin Virage

Medium-size magnificence, anyone? The Aston Martin Virage coupe and Volante (convertible) fit seamlessly between its DB9 and DBS siblings, seamlessly incorporating the stately comforts of the less-expensive DB9 and mixing in the raw sportiness of the pricier DBS. Think James Bond on a budget. Competitor-wise, the Virage dances on same floor as other high-end exotics such as the Audi R8, Bentley Continental GT and Porsche 911 Turbo. And while it might not on the forefront of every affluent boy’s dream car list, the Aston Martin Virage has the style and grace to run with the best of any car in its price range.

The Aston Martin Virage is quick and corners well, but it’s technically not a sports car that’s built for all-out speed. Behind the wheel, there’s a lot of communication between the driver and what’s happening where the tires meet the tarmac, but there is a little bit of a disconnect. The steering and throttle are responsive, but the car almost feels like it over-responds to driver inputs. In short, the Virage is fun to drive, fast, responsive and nimble, but the driver has to work to minimize the drama, or drive in a more sedate manner.

The 2012 Aston Martin Virage is available in coupe and convertible flavors, both of which come with rear seats that might be able to accommodate people of the child-size variety. As for the rest of the interior, one would be hard-pressed to find a surface that has not been adorned in soft leather, wood, metal or piano black. Stepping into the Aston Martin Virage is an experience for almost all of the senses, including smell. Aston offers a rich assortment of leathers to choose from, all of which give off a distinctive, opulent scent. It take a purported 70 man-hours to complete each Virage interior.

The Aston Martin Virage has a lot in common with its DB9 and DBS siblings, so much so that it would be hard for even an Aston aficionado to tell the difference at first sight. However, the Virage’s sleek curves and smooth angles stand out amongst its sharply angled competitors. It’s no wonder that the French word "virage" translates to “curve” in English.

GARMIN NAVIGATION
The navigation system found in the Virage, as with other Aston Martins, is a unit powered by Garmin. While some might think it looks out of place in such an exquisite interior, we enjoyed the simplicity of it in an otherwise complex machine.

DASH-MOUNTED TRANSMISSION SELECTOR
Shifting gears in the Virage is as easy as the pushing a button, literally. Gear levers are overrated anyway.

The standard features list for the Virage is quite lengthy, and while we would love to call out all of them, we can only point to a notable few. Among them is a 6.0-liter V12 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, 20-inch alloy wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes, and bi-xenon headlights. Bluetooth and navigation are also standard, as is a premium audio system with satellite radio. The Virage Volante convertible also gets a powered soft top with a wind deflector.

The options list for the Aston Martin Virage is quite limited. The main standout is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system. Also worth a mention are the five different wheel designs to choose from as well as the variety of exterior colors and interior trims to be had.

For 2012, the Aston Martin Virage is available with a sole V12 engine choice, which has 20 more horsepower than the one found in the DB9 and 20 fewer than in the DBS. Medium-sized, indeed. This doesn’t mean that the Virage is a slouch by any means, though, as it’s capable of reaching 60 mph in 4.6 seconds on up to a top speed of 183 mph. Amazing statistics, considering the engine is mated to a standard 6-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled via paddle shifters.

6.0-liter V12
490 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
420 lb-ft of torque @ 5,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 mpg