Because 99 per cent of my actions are still governed by hormones, it was inevitable I guess that I’d finally stumble across this creature – the Arash AF10.

It’s a British car (I’m very patriotic you know) with more charm than Sean Connery and better looks than Joanna Lumley.

What’s more it has 550hp at its fingertips, which is enough to take it from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds and up to 204mph. So suffice to say, it is, without a doubt, the coolest car to call itself British in recent years.

But if that’s the case, how does the old guard compare?

After all, can the Aston Martin Vanquish, previously the coolest car...anywhere, compete?

Well, the one in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider is certainly a beauty.

Indeed, even next to Angelina Jolie, below, in little more than a bra and shorts, you still have to look at it; it looks that good.

And its looks aren’t the only thing about this car that cause you to stop whatever you’re doing and gawp.

It’ll reach a staggering 196mph and get from 0-60 in 4.4s. True, that’s not surprising when you consider that under the subtly crafted exterior and smooth silver bonnet lies a snarling 450bhp beast, but it’s still very, very impressive.

If you want the synopsis of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde but can’t find time/be bothered to read the book, then consider the Aston.

It looks like a wonderfully sculptured piece of art, with flowing edges and curves. Not to mention leather upholstery. But kick the throttle and it goes mad. And the only potion you need for the transformation is fuel.

The wheels spin as the engine launches you and your unsuspecting passenger forwards at speeds that defy science. In only 10.5 seconds you’ve hit 100mph; or the sound barrier.

Heck, this isn’t art; it’s insanity in a metal box.

Looks, reliability, cost. The Arash and the Aston are equal in every way. Bar one. The Aston claims to be British. But it’s run by Ford, which makes it as American as Ms Jolie.

Still, who cares?

Aston Martin is...well, Aston Martin.

I mean the James Bond films were financed almost wholly by American money. But would you dare suggest they were anything other than pure Btitish bulldog?

Nah, of course not.

Look, I love the AF10, who wouldn’t, but flash cash just isn’t on the same par with ‘old money’.

And that’s what Aston Martin is - ‘old money’ but with style, sex appeal, and lots and lots of class.