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?
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What do you think?
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timsarmchair commented on this article
at 12:03 pm on 29 June 2009
The bizarre Lagonda thing is more of an Aston. This is just not right, it's not what Aston Martin is supposed to be about. Am I correct in understanding that they only offer you the choice to buy one of these if you shell out for one of their proper cars? Otherwise, we'll see a hell of a lot more Astons about and that will devalue Aston as an exclusive, sporty brand, especially when you consider it will get out-dragged by a Vauxhall Corsa... that's just not right for them. And it really looks like the iQ.
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Viper_des commented on this article
at 01:01 pm on 29 June 2009
Damn, it's not April 1st...
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GEDDEON commented on this article
at 01:04 pm on 29 June 2009
its ridiculous. One for Paris Hilton in pink, please...
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quattro commented on this article
at 01:04 pm on 29 June 2009
I don't want to believe this car's an Aston but it is... it's so un-very Aston Martin in an exclusive kind of way. In a way I kind of want it to get built ( just to say with conviction that I own an Aston - funnily ), but also don't ( as it could hurt Aston's ultra-rich clientele base ) but...
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AlKim commented on this article
at 01:24 pm on 29 June 2009
Ambitious but rubbish.
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