GAYDON, England — Aston Martin has released official images of its Toyota iQ-based Cygnet, illustrating how it has left its stamp on the minicompact. It also said in a statement that "work on the concept is ongoing and will continue into 2010 when it is hoped that it will become a production reality."
The first markets for the Cygnet will be in the United Kingdom and Europe, Aston Martin confirmed. No word yet on any plans for a U.S. rollout. The Cygnet will initially be available to Aston Martin owners, but after an introductory period, it is expected to go on sale for other buyers. The cars are expected to be sold through Aston Martin dealers.
The Cygnet was first teased in late June, with Aston CEO Ulrich Bez describing the car as a "novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level."
In the newly released images, the Aston Martin touch is apparent on the rear lights and door handles as well as a new Aston Martin grille. The cabin gets a high-end look, with new colors and trim designed to set it apart from the iQ. The Cygnet also uses different wheels and tires. While Aston Martin has yet to spell out powertrain details, it is believed that the Cygnet will be equipped with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine.
"The Cygnet concept represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence — and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin's luxury brand ownership," Aston Martin said in a statement on Wednesday.
Aston Martin has yet to release pricing details on the Cygnet.
Inside Line says: As ludicrous as it seems, the Cygnet is about to take wing. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
alphaoldschool says:
08:25 AM, 04/13/2011
Like what a charming little car, I guess if they put it in a James Bond movie it won't cost so much when they roll it over and over. Maybe they could make it into a small submarine like the Lotus Espirit. If your DBS is in the shop thou and your trying to be enviro friendly why not drive your Tesla, it's more in your price range. However if it doesn't sell well in the United Kingdom, it sure would make a cute mail car in the states, the government knows how to spend your money wisely. Oh yea !!!
firstclass says:
10:32 PM, 12/22/2009
@-deltlica
Why you are so defensive and defending this rebadged Toyota IQ? The Cygne will never be a "style icon". This isn't Aston Martin's first, as you put it, "Style icons" (the Laganda). When you dig deeper you find this car is a sheep in wolfs clothing (or a bum in a business suit). If Aston did this to a Tata Nano what would you say then? Yeah this car looks good but under the fancy clothes it's still just a Toyota, and no amount of upholstery and sheet metal can change that.
thetrout says:
08:35 AM, 12/18/2009
To deltlica: I never said that the SMART was "like" a CYGNET. I was simply talking about the corporate marketing approach of limiting initial sales to an installed customer base, when in fact, that customer base may not be the target audience for your product. Got it?
deltlica says:
02:21 PM, 12/17/2009
To rpmzone: No, it.s an entry level model, on the other hand he used a Ford Mondeo recently in one Bond film.
To thetrout: so you think it's like a Smart car do you?....how wrong can you be!
To ddark13: When you need a what? a loner.... that's an easy one, first you need to progress to the age of around 17 years old and then you need to have a career or a sponsorship to buy a car.....come back in 10 years and i will tell you what else you need to do son!
Alternatively, you can get what loan car you wish, just remember you must not wake up otherwise your world will sort of......fall apart,sweet dreams!
To perrito: Why are you sorry? no one else will be. This car will be a class item and a style icon. not a prissy, chintzt ghey attempt to cash in on gullible people hankering after a retro car which almost looks like an original style icon it you scrunch your eyes up (quite) a bit. It will probably cost much more than a Mini too. It's not in the same league!
Enough, already!
rpmzone says:
12:54 PM, 12/17/2009
WTF? This is Aston's entry level model? Can you imagine James Bond in it???
thetrout says:
09:22 AM, 12/17/2009
Available initially to Aston Martin owners ? The reason being? What, so they'll have something to drive while their Vantage/DB/Rapide is in the shop. Mercedes wasn't silly enough to "limit" sales of the SMART to current MB owners. It's a different customer base! That said, the Cygnet looks interesting, with an interior that surpasses exterior in terms of design & styling. AM should take a long look at the Fiat 500C, the slide back canvas roof on this little beauty makes me smile. Can't wait to rent one on next trip to Europe.
ddark13 says:
01:02 PM, 12/16/2009
they better not give me this as a loner when i bring in my dbs
hahahahaha
perrito says:
12:35 PM, 12/16/2009
Sorry, still buying a Mini, not this thing.
firstclass says:
10:21 AM, 12/16/2009
@-gmhl10
At least in American luxury drivers anyways. Most compact cars are equated with economical and substandard by luxury car owners. I don't believe the Mini is bought for its luxurious equipment, but rather its charm, enjoyment and excitement it brings to its owners. Look how Mercedes is keeping their involvement with the Smart car under the table in the US. The Smart is sold on its economic practicality here not its luxury.
gmhl10 says:
10:09 AM, 12/16/2009
Wow, that interior is amazing. Other than that, unless they price it around the $25-$35K, I don't believe it'll sell well. However, it looks like it may cost more than that. My wife has a Mini Cooper and that Cygnet actually looks a lot cooler. Probably won't have the transmission hassles like the SMART since the Cygnet probably will roll out with a proper manual or proper automatic. I get that Aston is trying to reach the exclusive and luxury market with this car, but does the luxury market really want a car like this?