Aston Martin will put its Toyota iQ-based Cygnet city car into production at its Gaydon headquarters next year. The smallest Aston ever is based on iQs built in Japan by Toyota, which are then specially imported to the UK for Aston.
The design and build work of the Cygnet is carried out at Gaydon; Aston has incorporated much of its design language into the iQ, including its signature front grille.
See the official pics of the Aston Martin Cygnet
Aston CEO Ulrich Bez, who has faced criticism for the Cygnet, defended its creation, saying it’s been primarily designed to help Aston lower its fleet average CO2 emissions in face of strict upcoming EU legislation.
“Aston Martin is honest and we don’t make compromises,” he said. “Whatever we do, we do it right. If we do performance, we do performance; we won’t downsize our sports cars. “The Cygnet needs to satisfy the demands of emissions and space. It is a car without compromise, just like every other Aston Martin."
Read more on the Aston Martin Cygnet
Aston design chief Marek Reichman said the Cygnet buying and ownership experience would be identical to that of a regular Astons and quality would not be compromised by size. All of Astons interior materials available on its other models - including hides and metals - would be offered on the Cygnet, too. "Luxury is not constrained by scale," he said. "The world is changing, the environment is changing - Aston Martin needs to change."
The Cygnet will only initially be available to existing Aston owners and is expected to cost between £30000-£50,000. Aston will confirm full Cygnet pricing and specification later this year.
