Aston Martin DB9

 The DB9 debuted in 2003, but a raft of updates has just arrived to keep the grand tourer on the pace. These changes include minor revisions to the exterior and the addition of a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS), borrowed from 

the DBS. The visual tweaks are subtle, with a lower front bumper, mesh grille, tweaked light clusters and fresh side skirts the most obvious improvements.

Inside, the classic Aston experience continues, with buyers able to choose from a range of hand-stitched leathers, and wood and metal trim finishes. And of course, the cabin is packed with technology – parking sensors, Bluetooth connection, cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring feature, while there’s a stunning optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound audio system.

Performance is predictably immense, although the DB9 is more relaxed than its sportier stablemates lower down the range. It copes with most surfaces, aided effectively by the new ADS. This constantly assesses road conditions to provide the best balance between comfort and control. In Normal mode, it offers a compliant ride that allows the car to float over bumps. Switch to the Sport setting, and it becomes much stiffer and sharper to respond. 

The 6.0-litre V12 engine isn’t short of talent, either, thanks to its smooth power delivery and whopping 600Nm torque output. Leave the Touchtronic transmission in Drive, and it has a relaxed attitude, with its smooth upshifts arriving early in the rev range. Use the paddles, though, and the extra control they provide can see the car take on another character, with a howling soundtrack higher up the range, to go with snappier shifts.

Grand tourers are bread and butter to Aston. You only have to look back through its history to see its pedigree in producing long-haul high-performance models – and the DB9 is its most convincing effort yet.