Aston Martin named Britain's best-loved car

The Aston Martin elevated to iconic status by James Bond films was yesterday named Britain's best-loved car, reports the Mirror.

It topped a poll of the nation's favourite motors of the last 25 years.

One in 10 motorists picked the luxury sports car's DB9 model, the DBS version of which was driven by 007 star Daniel Craig in the latest movies.

Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace continued Bond's association with the marque dating to 1964's Goldfinger.

In second place was the Volkswagen Golf GTI, with 5% of the vote.

Third was the BMW Mini, the modern take on a long-term classic, which got 4% after 2,700 drivers were asked to vote for their favourite car from a list of 30 models from 1985 to 2010.

The 1980s Audi Quattro, currently enjoying a starring role in TV's Ashes to Ashes, came fourth in the poll.

The quintessentially British Jaguar XJ was fifth - but the humble Ford Focus beat the flashier Mercedes SLK and Porsche 911.

Cars from the last quarter of a century which were given the thumbs down included the Austin/Rover Metro, the Jeep and the Toyota Prius. Each failed to get a single vote.

Jennifer Thomas, spokeswoman for insurer Direct Line which comissioned the poll for its 25th anniversary, said: "We're now looking forward to following the motoring trends into the next decade and beyond."

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