Aston Martin’s £20,000 iQ: Cygnet revealed
29.06.2009 - Dominic Sacco
(15)
Aston Martin has revealed its smallest ever car: the 'Cygnet' commuter concept. The vehicle is based on Toyota's iQ city car and features Aston Martin's trademark front grille and design. Prices will start at around £20,000 if it goes on sale next year – more than double the cost of the iQ's £9,495 starting price. But drivers must buy an Aston Martin supercar – or already own one – in order to buy a Cygnet.
Aston Martin is not planning to alter the engineering of the Toyota iQ, so the Cygnet should emit 110g/km of CO2 and cost just £20 per year to tax.
Aston Martin has sold 510 cars in 2009 according to the latest registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It sold 1,565 in 2008.
The Cygnet will offer drivers a "distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury," according to a press release. The collaboration with Toyota makes the Cygnet Aston Martin's first city concept car, sitting alongside supercars such as the DBS, DB9 and Vantage.
Aston Martin's Chief executive Dr Ulrich Bez said: "Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take its first bold step to embark on this special project. "This concept will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market." Aston Martin confirmed the Cygnet could be available as early as 2011.
