Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Aston Martin Virage Volante convertible (2011-2012)

"Roof up or down, the stylish Virage manages to be fast, smooth and very comfortable."

Carbuyer Rating

2.1 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review

Pros

  • Gorgeous styling
  • Powerful engine
  • Long-distance comfort

Cons

  • High price
  • Not as practical as coupe
  • DB9 is similar and costs less

Slotting in between the DB9 Volante and DBS Volante the new Virage Volante is also priced accordingly. Featuring slightly more angular bodywork every panel is different apart from the cabriolet roof section - which adds a further 105kg to the overall weight. The more pronounced side sills and front LED daytime running lights ensure the Virage is distinguishable, whilst 20-inch wheels add a dose of aggression. Lighter and more powerful ceramic brakes are also fitted as standard. Under the bonnet lies Aston Martin's famous 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 490bhp- which offers 20bhp less than the DBS but 20bhp more than the DB9.

MPG, running costs & CO2

Large engine has short service intervals

The Virage Volante drinks fuel at an alarming rate, and the best you're going to get from it is around 19mpg. In town, or in stop/start traffic this figure will drop even further. High Road Tax, servicing and insurance bills all go hand-in-hand when running a car as powerful and exclusive as the Virage Volante.

Engines, drive & performance

A modern GT with a sense of occasion

Despite the eye-watering asking price, huge running costs and the loss of the roof, the Virage remains a fabulous car to drive, retaining most of the coupe's handling and comfort. With the roof down the fabulous 490bhp V12 engine sounds even more exciting than it does in the coupe. The standard-fit adaptive suspension can be tailored to suit different driving styles or road conditions.

Interior & comfort

Long distances are covered easily

With the adaptive suspension adjusted to its softest setting, the Virage is very comfortable, with only the roughest of roads felt by occupants. At speed with the roof in place, road noise is almost non-existent - making the Virage Volante an excellent cross-country tourer.

Practicality & boot space

The Virage is not designed to carry much luggage

The addition of the folding roof mechanism means the Virage Volante's boot is slightly smaller than the coupe's, measuring 152 litres. It's big enough for several soft bags but not for large, square suitcases, and a set of golf clubs should still fit easily. The rear seats are tiny and are suitable only for more luggage or very small children.

Reliability & safety

High quality engineering throughout

The large 6.0-litre V12 engine is fully tried and tested, as it also features in DB9 and DBS, so should prove highly relaible. Service intervals are relatively short, but as most Aston Martin owners cover very few annual miles, this is unlikey to be a problem. Build quality, as you would expect at this price, is impressively high, as all cars are finished by hand.

Price, value for money & options

Exclusivity comes at a price

The Virage Volante is around £10,000 more than the coupe and £25,000 less than the more powerful DBS Volante. Compared to rivals, it's cheaper than the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster, but more expensive than a Ferrari California or Bentley Continental GTC. The Virage is well equipped, with 20-inch alloy wheels, powerful carbon ceramic brakes, cruise control and front and rear parking sensors all standard. Buyers can choose from a range of optional extras that include lightweight sport seats and a 1,000W Bang & Olufsen stereo.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

More on Virage

Aston Martin Virage coupe (2011-2012)
In-depth reviews
10 Jan 2014

Aston Martin Virage coupe (2011-2012)

"The Virage slots between the DB9 and DBS in the line-up, as well as in terms of its performance."

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024