Aston Martin Vantage V8 lets James Bond down

	Add newsletters@cnet.online.com to your address book | View online   Car Tech       Share on Facebook  |  Share on Twitter May 18, 2012     Wayne Cunningham Senior editor Profile Email Aston Martin Vantage V8 lets James Bond down Q would be quite displeased indeed at the electronics in the Aston Martin Vantage V8. The navigation system is an older Garmin unit poorly integrated with the car. Phone and stereo systems are merely average, not the kind of cutting-edge tech that Q would design, or that you would expect in a $150k car. Those issues aside, the Vantage V8 is certainly a beautiful car, and its engine makes a delightful sound. One note of caution: the single-clutch automatic manual makes it nearly undrivable. Opt for the manual. Read more | Share on Facebook        2012 Dodge Charger R/T Road & Track The much-improved 2012 Dodge Charger R/T offers a good blend of power and cabin technology, but could use a bit more refinement where efficiency and ease of use are concerned.  More | Share on Facebook          2012 Honda Civic NG The 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas works well as an economical commute car and errand runner, but its average cabin tech falls far short of the cutting edge.  More | Share on Facebook          2012 Toyota Prius The 2012 Toyota Prius just works, delivering outstanding fuel economy, good cabin-tech options, and a comfortable ride with few compromises.  More | Share on Facebook          2012 Fiat 500 Abarth A turbocharger, closer gear ratios, and suspension tuning make the 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth ridiculously fun to drive, but it takes the TomTom navigation option to overcome problems with the cabin tech interface.  More | Share on Facebook          2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550 4Matic The 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550 4Matic isn't perfect, but it does offer a good blend of tech, performance, and luxury. However, its diesel-powered sibling is probably the better bargain.  More | Share on Facebook        Get your favorite CNET editors. To go. Send the free app to your smartphone or iPad. Get it now.    Comment of the week: Punk'd edtion   I think Fiat punked themselves. People will be searching specifically for this, and when you do, you'll get a link to VW's site. Some people might even click on it. VW should be thanking them for sending traffic their way.  Read full quote Posted by cryofpaine from the Fiat brilliantly punks VW on Google Street View   Aston alternatives   2012 Jaguar XKR-S     2012 BMW 650i     2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S     2012 Porsche Cayman R     2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350     Popular reviews   2012 Audi A6 Premium Quattro     2012 Ford Focus Titanium     2012 BMW 328i     2012 Audi A7     2012 Hyundai Veloster   Connect with us on:              The e-mail address for this newsletter is boy.blogger@gmail.com To update your account, please visit our Newsletter subscription center. Unsubscribe from this e-mail | Newsletter help | Privacy policy Copyright 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. CBS Interactive, 235 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, U.S.A.