Aston Martin has combined great aesthetics alongside grand-tourer (GT) practicality with its new four-door sports car, it has been reported.

Writing for the Times, Fifth Gear presenter Tom Ford praises the manufacturer's new four-seat, four-door Rapide.

Prestige car hire enthusiasts may be interested to hear Mr Ford describe the Aston as the "world's sexiest" four-door GT car, which he says suits any motorist's mood, praising its ability to be both "subtle and quiet or noisy and exciting".

He continues: "There's a big sense of confidence about the interior, whether you're in the front or back … generally the Rapide feels special, even if it is the most practical Aston yet made. Which is a neat trick."

In true Aston Martin style, the Rapide posts some impressive performance figures, zero to 62mph is achieved in 5.1 seconds and the top speed is a blistering 188mph.

The Rapide was fist showcased at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Click here to see our range of cars.

Posted by Terry Mitchell