Skip advert
Advertisement

Morgan Aero 8 Convertible review (2001-2010)

Styling aside, there's nothing old-fashioned about the Morgan Aero 8 - it's fast, generously equipped, great fun to drive and extremely charming.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Morgan Aero 8
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Driving:
Don't be fooled by the retro looks - there's nothing old-fashioned about the way Morgan's range-topper drives. A tie-up with BMW means the model uses the latest 4.4-litre double VANOS Valvetronic V8, developing 325bhp and 448Nm of torque. It also features the six-speed manual transmission from the previous-generation M5. The aluminium Aero 8 tips the scales at only 1,145kg, meaning a 284bhp-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio. That's identical to the latest M6 supercoupe's, which gives you an idea of how fast this Morgan is - the claimed 0-60mph is less than 4.5 seconds. And even with its hi-tech V10, the top 6-Series doesn't sound as good or punch so hard at low revs as the Aero 8. Nor is it as involving; handling is the Morgan's trump card. The stiff chassis and superbly judged suspension mean the car is taut, agile, well balanced and surprisingly friendly to drive.

Marketplace:
There's no mistaking the big Morgan! With flowing lines and oh-so distinctive detailing, it's every inch the modern reinterpretation of the classic Morgan shape. And with 2007's facelift, it became less controversial, too. The previous VW Beetle headlights were replaced with units from the MINI; the cross-eyed stare is beginning to face. Mounted further out on the front wings, the revised lights instantly make the Morgan less comical. Yet no-one can deny the dramatic styling retains all its head-turning ability - this Morgan isn't exactly subtle. Offered in a single V8 soft-top form at the moment, the range will soon be joined by the even more outrageous Aeromax coupe. And although it costs over £60,000, its performance, ability, cabin and sheer presence make this appear something of a bargain; Jaguar's slower XKR drop-top costs much more, and the BMW M6 Convertible adds a hefty amount on top of that.

Owning:
Changes for 2007 didn't stop at the headlights. The roof mechanism was all-new, complete with a larger rear window for improved visibility, and the cabin grew by six inches, as the doors were pushed further out over the running boards - an alteration that also improved access. Don't think this means the rest of the interior is as straightforward as a supermini's, however. The steering wheel is mounted close to your chest, the seats are very narrow and the fly-off handbrake is buried down the transmission tunnel. On the plus side, full US type approval means the Aero 8 now has two airbags, not to mention cruise control, a tyre pressure monitor and a heated windscreen. Soundproofing was improved in 2007 and even Bentley could learn a lesson or two from Morgan's craftsmen - the wood and turned aluminium dash is a work of art. And though the famous waiting lists remain, the benefit is strong retained values!

Engines, performance and drive

0

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

0

Interior, design and technology

0

Practicality, comfort and boot space

0

Reliability and Safety

0
Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,155Avg. savings £1,844 off RRP*Used from £8,600
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,080Avg. savings £3,743 off RRP*Used from £25,098
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,540Avg. savings £3,974 off RRP*Used from £14,800
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,019 off RRP*Used from £15,299
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is practical, hot-hatch quick and only £284 per month
Skoda Octavia vRS estate - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS Estate is practical, hot-hatch quick and only £284 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 26 January offers space for all the family and loads of power for when you’re not on the school run
News
26 Jan 2025
Donald Trump is about to seriously disrupt the automotive world
Opinion - Donald Trump

Donald Trump is about to seriously disrupt the automotive world

Mike Rutherford looks at what Donald Trump's return to power means for car companies that don't build cars on American soil
Opinion
26 Jan 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Near-50mpg Hyundai Tucson Hybrid for £232 per month
New Hyundai Tucson hybrid - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Near-50mpg Hyundai Tucson Hybrid for £232 per month

Hyundai’s smart-looking family SUV is frugal to run, but needn’t cost much to buy either with this Deal of the Day for 25 January
News
25 Jan 2025