Aston Martin Up There With Apple For UK’s Trendsetters, Survey Says

Aston Martin has been deemed the "coolest brand" on the UK market, according to the latest annual CoolBrands report from The Centre for Brand Analysis.

Even the bizarre Toyota iQ-based Cygnet city car couldn't keep the British supercar and luxury brand back, and this latest win makes five out of the past six years.

Described in the survey as "smooth, sexy and sophisticated," Aston Martin's line-up includes the top-shelf DBS (pictured top) and DB9 models, the V8 and V12 Vantage twins, the new Virage and the four-door Rapide supersaloon.

And, of course, the limited-edition One-77 and V12 Zagato models.

"British built, high quality and hand finished, let's be honest, young or old, male or female, opinion former or British public, who wouldn't aspire to own what is truly the coolest car on the road," the report reads.

Of course, you know a brand is properly cool when you don't recognise any of the modern-day stars that make up the judging panel. Among the 36 "influencers" this year were musician Jessie J, DJ Rob da Bank and fashion designer Sadie Frost.

The process sees a list of 10,000 brands culled to just 1500, before the judges and consumers vote on a top 500 highly-rated brands.

Other brands to hit the top end of the list this year include computer and gadget dynamo Apple, and sound experts Bang & Olufsen.