This is the story of beauty and the beast.  Actually, it’s a simple review of the new AUTOart 1:18 Aston Martin Vantage 2019.  The beauty is in the design and the beast is the 503 horsepower under the bonnet, which by the way is borrowed from Mercedes-AMG.  The latest incarnation of the Aston Martin Vantage was thirteen years in making.  Yes, thirteen!

Some believe the latest design does not hit the mark on looks as the last platform did, these individuals need to apply for an eyewear exam.  All kidding aside, the Vantage is striking for every angle and has the performance to match.  All this adds to what we believe is the perfect sportscar.  No?

The Vantage has a shortlist of available colours from AUTOart’s portfolio, we wanted to play it safe, so the easy choice was Skyfall Silver.  In person, the colour is an absolute treat and embraces every inch of the eye-cathing design.  Team AUTOart is usually on point with paint application, no argument from our team here.

Overall shape and design are on point too.  Images we studied prove the model to be very accurate to the original design, most if not all styling cues are there.  This example from AUTOart also provides 360 access – access to the engine, rear storage and interior side are permitted.  That being said, the model overall does provide an exceptional job at executing panel gaps and shut lines.  One area we wanted to mention was the upper window trim dressed in chrome – beautifully executed, and an element of design a lower-priced brand many has overlooked.

The front of the Vantage is essentially occupied with a massive front grille, one reminiscent of the Aston Martin Vulcan – their track-inspired monster.  We love the look and also appreciate the fully perforated metal grille, curved to match the front design.  The surrounding grille trim is painted in high-gloss Black.  Headlight details are decent and feature the integrated turn signal.

Access to the motor is permitted.  The front sweeping hood is aided by quality hinge work and struts.  Operation on our example was flawless.  Inside the modern motor design does reveal much of the features observed on its big brother, though we find some areas are too bulky and require a little more definition or too plastic looking in appearance.

Some of the positives include badge presence, painted elements, the one we weigh the most is the painted chrome bolts/screws in the lower front shroud section.   Amazing how something so small inspires us!   The discriminating collector looking for the level of detail where the wiring for the strut towers is included for active suspension is not going to find it here.

The backside is more or less along the same lines.  AUTOart does an exceptional job replicating each element of design.  High-praise at executing the rear braking/taillights – the design here flows from one side to the other.  Quality emblem and directly underneath Aston Martin script are faithfully reproduced.

The lower bumper section mirrors the original well right down to the perforation in the bumper.  Though, on closer inspection, AUTOart executes this detail by adding a separate piece of metal to simulate the look.  In reality, this design is intergraded within the bumper design.  Limitations aside, it still looks good.  And not to mention the centre reverse light (underneath the Vantage plate), something that could be easily missed due to size.

Inside the storage area, we find full carpeting throughout, this is truly done well.  Hints of Red accents in the upper section are found on the cargo divider and forward section.  The hatch door itself does feature quality hinges and struts, there is even a grab handle on the finished side of the hatch door.

Before we move inside, let’s take a look at the wheels.  To be honest, we’re huge fans of the chosen wheel option.  Though we’ll definitely give bonus marks for the uniqueness aspect.  As for AUTOart’s results here, excellent to say the least.  The wheels have a beautiful finish – the painted inners of the spokes parallel well with the unpainted bits.  Tires here are branded too.  Inner working of the braking equipment is excellent with the painted Red calipers with Aston Matin badging and slotted rotors front and rear – love the depth of detail on the slotted rotors!

Overall, the interior of the Aston Martin Vantage is safe.  The doors do provide the coined Aston Martin upswing.  The door cards themselves are nicely detailed too, though the speakers cover on each side could have used a little more refinement in the grille area.  The air-bag warning decal was a surprise.  It definitely made us chuckle.  See the above image.

Inside the cabin is appointed primarily in Black, there are some Red accents in the seating and door cards.  Looking at the dash,  Silver/chrome bits within here and within surrounding interiors elements help with the overall look. Interior carpeting mirrors the quality work from the aforementioned storage compartment.   AUTOart even added the knee guards within the lower centre console area.  Way cool!

Here’s what we didn’t like or should we say required a little more consideration.  Seatbelts are hard to see but available, though the material is rubber.  AUTOart also missed the Silver/Chrome trim around the primary instrument gauges just behind the steering wheel.  And finally, not sure if this an optional piece, the upper shroud on the centre console is painted matt Black, this should be carbon fibre.

For the most part, AUTOart does have a talent for producing some truly cool sportscars, especially those that highlight the Aston Martin badge.  The 2019 Aston Martin Vantage is along the same lines.  It is very good in short.

The model’s exterior and interior side does provide a gratifying finish.  It would be a welcomed addition to any Aston Martin fan or sports car fan in general on looks alone.  The added 360 access is always welcomed. And accessing the model’s features were repeated and executed with ease.  These results are what makes AUTOart so good, and places the Aston Martin Vantage on the recommended list.  Enjoy the pics!