ASTON MARTIN is flashy. No really, the site is covered in flash. Cool graphics and expensive press shots abound on the prestige marques’ homepage, but there are also a few hidden nuggets of interesting web design for companies looking for hints on how to get a great corporate look.

The homepage features a rotating picture splash that displays all the current Aston Martin models and a top menu to navigate around the site.

This website is an Aston Martin enthusiast’s dream. By clicking on the company link on the homepage you can look up an in-depth background history behind the car manufacturer including an animated time-line which takes you from its founding in 1913 to the ’80s styling of the Lagonda, through to the forthcoming V8 Vantage.

There is lots of brand jargon – ‘uniqueness is inherent’ was a particular favourite – but it doesn’t matter because, if you click on the cars link on the top menu, you can ogle the current Aston Martin line-up which soon dissolves any annoyance.

Each car comes complete with a comprehensive list of specifications. The ‘styling’ section of this feature allows you to click on an animated flash image, which locates interest points on the car and elaborates on its details.

The works service pages give an overview of the servicing and maintenance aspects of the business as well as heritage restoration and accident repair.

All enquiries about the company can be sent through the ‘contact us’ page located on the top menu. By visiting the gallery section of the site you can stream videos complete with discotheque soundtrack. You can also take an interesting look behind the development of the DB9. A downloadable brochure on all the latest models and the company is available as a pdf. You can download an interactive screensaver too.

The smooth navigation on the site is matched by the liquid cool graphics and button links. There is a constant high standard of quality throughout the site, which means you can get all the best of Aston Martin online.

We like: Slicker than your average car manufacturer website
We don’t like: Too much jargon