Aston Martin is calling its Cygnet a "tailor-made solution" to the city transportation equation, a personal luxury commuter "designed for the heart of the city", the result of a collaboration between "two companies that are leaders in their respective fields".
Really, it's an Aston-skinned Toyota (a name they mention ONCE in the entire 1600+ word press release ... DENIAL AIN'T JUST A RIVER IN AFRICA, PEOPLE!).
That means this AMiQ retains the same basic layout of Toyota's version, allowing for a few different seating arrangements: 2+2, 2+1, or just plain 2. It also has the same 98bhp 4-cylinder engine with either a 6-speed stick or optional CVT.
But enough already. For any major facts such as dimensions, feel free to check out our posts on the Toyota iQ, because we're here to discuss how this Cygnetic parasite differs from its Japanese host.
Other than the uniquely Aston face, where the Cygnet shines (Aston is quick to point this out) is its personalization and interior. The firm claims everything and anything can be hand-picked by its owner via the their personalization program, meaning owners can have a "mini-me" version of their V8 / V12 Aston sports car. Neat, in a novelty kind of way.
Aston Martin also believes that there's a market for the Cygnet - albeit pretty small, limited to "between 2,000 and 4,000 Cygnets... in Europe alone".
So who exactly does Aston think is silly enough to buy these? Their very own customers, of course. The Cygnet would be "a supplementary product that exists in tandem with the company's range of luxury sports cars... [by] forming a natural extension of existing Aston Martin ownership." Whatever you say, guys.
-By Phil Alex
