The Cygnet - Astpn Martin's "iQ" Test

[MightyJordan]

It's official; they've lost the plot

This is the Cygnet, Aston Martin's new city car based on the Toyota iQ.

Seriously. We're not joking about this one. This is real.

At the moment, Aston is describing the Cygnet as a concept, but it seems very, very likely to reach production next year.

So what's the idea? Let's ask Aston's chief exec Ulrich Bez.

"This concept - akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht - will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market," says Bez.

"The offering of a ?Cygnet' with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility."

Which means, we think, that the Cygnet will be the short-range dinghy to the millionaire's DBS yacht. Makes some sort of sense, but can it really be an Aston?

If you're thinking, "well, maybe if it's powered by a big V8...", afraid not. We'd expect the underpinnings to be pure iQ - so a 1.0- or 1.3-litre petrol engine - though with Aston's own wheels, tyres and, of course, deeply plush interior.

As you can see from the photo, it'll get a One-77-inspired front end, complete with wide, angry grille and bonnet vents. We're told that the Cygnet could cost around ?20,000 - which is a hell of a lot for an iQ, though very reasonable for an Aston, if you want to look at it that way.

You'll only be able to buy a Cygnet if you're an existing Aston owner, so any of you thinking it's a cheap way into Aston ownership, think again.

What?s your opinion, TGers? To give Aston the benefit of the doubt, imagine the Cygnet with this paintjob and a big set of shiny alloys. Is it more of an Aston than, say, that bizarre Lagonda-thing?

More pictures:

[Unimatrix Xero]

ohh me like a lot!! me want one

[what]

Never thought I would ever say this, but...

Aston Martin fail.

Seriously, what are they thinking? Aston Martin's are meant to be exquisite, not a jumped up Corsa.

[MightyJordan]

Aston Martin's are meant to be exquisite, not a jumped up Corsa.

Actually, it's a jumped up Toyota iQ, and that's not cheap to start with.

[cabron]

Its this car made manually? By people? not robots? :o

[MightyJordan]

Its this car made manually? By people? not robots? :o

As Aston Martin are British, I'm hoping it's not hand-made. :p Seriously, anyone remember the old British Leyland cars?

[lnmnky]

It is Plastercine?

[Richard Hammond]

Its this car made manually? By people? not robots? :o

No?

They probably make it out of clay then use that to create the molds.

[qdave]

Aston + "city car" does not mix! :(

[MightyJordan]

Aston + "city car" does not mix! :(

When I first saw it, I thought it would have something to do with the European legislations, because I remember reading in Autocar last year that in a year or two, all car manufactures have to have the average CO2 levels of all their productions models combined below a certain limit. It was around this time, it was also announced that Gordon Murray (the man behind the McLaren F1) was creating a new revolutionary city car called the T25 that was about the same size as a Smart car, but could seat four full adults, and be small enough to park nose on the kerb, and fit three of them in one parking space. His plan was to outsource the cars to popular makes like Porsche, to reduce their CO2 levels.

[pyehac]

Wow, first Pontiac, then Subaru, and now Aston Martin. Toyota sure has a lot of partnerships.

[MightyJordan]

Wow, first Pontiac, then Subaru, and now Aston Martin. Toyota sure has a lot of partnerships.

It's not too surprising, as Toyota are the second biggest car manufacturer in the world; and they'll be #1 when GM go down. They also have a partnership with PSA Peugeot Citro?n to create a city car in the Czech Republic which is sold in all three manufacturers; the Peugeot 107, the Citro?n C1, and the Toyota Aygo.

[what]

Actually, it's a jumped up Toyota iQ, and that's not cheap to start with.

Err, yeah, I know that, but it's still a hatchback all the same. AM doesn't do hatchbacks.

[Konstanov]

Err, yeah, I know that, but it's still a hatchback all the same. AM doesn't do hatchbacks.

AM does luxury sports cars for super spies. Aston Martin should ask themselves one question before they design a car, would James Bond drive this and James Bond would surely not drive this car.

[Chasethebase Veteran]

Even though we're all bashing it. Just think for a second...

Aston Martin rely on a high profit, low sales business model. This isn't really going to pay dividends in the state the economy is in at the moment. Having this car available, maybe at a price similar to the iQ, would give them more income, keep them afloat, and let you see the new DBx.

Personally I think it looks alright.

[MightyJordan]

Having this car available, maybe at a price similar to the iQ, would give them more income, keep them afloat, and let you see the new DBx.

Not gonna happen though. It's possibly gonna cost around ?20k, and they're not selling it to the public. It's only available to people who already own an Aston Martin.

[Chasethebase Veteran]

Not gonna happen though. It's possibly gonna cost around ?20k, and they're not selling it to the public. It's only available to people who already own an Aston Martin.

Well if that's the case...I couldn't care less about this car:rofl::