Verdict
Aston Martin spots a gap between its DB9 and DBS and fills it with the Virage. In doing so it has effectively replaced both with this hugely talented all-rounder.

Expert rating: 4.0

Pros
• Sharper looks
• Performance and specification gains over DB9
• More drivable than its DBS relative

Cons
• Costs more than the already expensive DB9
• Engine too muted inside
• Rear seats and boot are small

1. Exterior: 5/5
If the DB9 is a head-turning work of automotive art, the Virage is an absolute masterpiece. The changes are subtle, but details like the re-profiled grille, revised wings and the new headlamps all combine to create an edgier, more contemporary take on the DB9's elegant lines. Alongside a DB9, the Virage is tauter and more chiselled, though it manages to eschew the DBS's rather extrovert, somewhat aftermarket styling.

2. Interior: 4/5
There are few surprises inside so there's plenty of beautifully finished leather, high gloss wood and brushed metal. Unsurprisingly, it's styled particularly neatly, Aston's mix of materials particularly nicely judged - even the Volvo-sourced air vents. It might be easy on the eye, but aside from the obvious big push buttons for the automatic transmission - the Virage not being offered with a manual - the smaller controls are a bit fiddly.

3. Practicality: 3/5
The specification says 2+2, but you'll need to be flexible and small to fit in the rear of the Virage. Best then not to bother trying and instead specify the optional hard-backed sports seats. This means losing the rear seats altogether and using the shelves for additional luggage space. The boot will take a golf bag or two, but getting them in won't be particularly easy.

4. Ride and handling: 5/5
Riding on the same basic suspension as the DB9 but with a few revisions to make it sharper, the Virage is supple but exceptionally well controlled. It rides on an adaptive damping system that manages this tricky balance, though in Sport mode the ride goes from taut to too-stiff for our crumbling roads. Standard carbon ceramic brake discs help the Virage to stop very effectively. The steering is quick and nicely weighted and the electronic stability control systems intervention levels are high enough to enjoy the Virage's ample power.

5. Performance: 5/5
The 6.0-litre V12 produces 490bhp, which allows it to reach 62mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 186mph. It's only offered with a TouchTronic gearbox, which can be either left alone or shifted via steering column-mounted paddles. It's a quick, smooth shifter, while the V12's ample mid and low-range torque is backed up with high-rev fireworks when you're in a hurry. It sounds great, though it's better from the side of the road than within. Fast, yet not as fearsome as the DBS, the Virage is a consummate all-rounder.

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6. Running costs: 3/5
Aston Martins aren't cheap to buy, so don't expect them to be cheap to run. The V12 develops more power than the DB9's, which suggests it'll consume a bit more fuel. Expect everyday driving to produce 12-15mpg. Fuel aside, servicing, insurance and road tax will be expensive too.

7. Reliability: 4/5
The DB9, which this Virage is heavily based on, has been around for a while now, and although it's not got a blemish-free reliability record Aston Martin has improved in recent years. That should mean the Virage offers relatively trouble-free motoring. The company's recent endurance racing success underlines the durability of the mechanicals.

8. Safety: 3/5
The Virage comes with ESP and traction control, anti-lock brakes, front and side driver and passenger airbags and seatbelt pretensioners as standard. Opt for the sports bucket seats and you lose the rear seats and side airbags, too.

9. Equipment: 4/5
Powerful and lightweight carbon ceramic brakes are standard, while the hopeless Volvo-sourced sat-nav is replaced by an all-new system developed by Aston Martin and Garmin. Add in the usual luxury refinements you'd expect for this money - leather, electrically operated seats etc. - and the Virage represents decent value.

10. Why buy? 5/5
If you like the DB9 you'll love the Virage. It looks better, drives better, has more equipment and yet it's only around £25,000 more. To specify the carbon ceramic brakes alone in a DB9 you'd need £15,000. It nibbles away at the DBS too and retains its impressive GT credentials, but gains a degree of more sporting appeal, making it the only sensible choice in the DB9-based family line-up.