In order to lower the company’s carbon footprint across the model lineup, Aston Martin decided to build an urban machine based on Toyota iQ. The new Cygnet citycar, which is scheduled to enter production later this year, now has an official pricetag.
While the Toyota iQ it is based on has a more reasonable base price of £9,995 ($16,000 at the current exchange rate) in the UK, the Cygnet will cost a whopping £30,995 ($49,595). The Aston version does admittedly come with an upgraded interior that feature exclusive touches, like leather seating surfaces and exterior brightwork, but the add-ons hardly justify the extra cost.
The iQ’s roof and door panels, and even the headlights and side mirrors, are carried over to the Cygnet. The main changes were made to the front end, which makes an attempt at looking like a grown-up Aston Martin by sporting the company’s trademark grille and air scoops, which the Aston design team managed to squeeze onto the flanks and the tiny hood.
Powering the little car is a 98 hp (73 kW) 1.3-liter straight-four engine that produces only 110 grams of CO2 per kilometer and offers a fuel consumption of just 70 mpg UK (3.99 l/100km).
The Cygnet will be available first in the UK, then it will be introduced in other EU countries. Sales should not be restricted to a limited production number, however it is expected that demand from existing Aston owners will take priority.
Whether the Cygnet is a good idea or not, it seems that Aston is pushing forward with the launch of the citycar. While the cars styling, performance and package may not win over current fans of the British brand, its sheer exclusivity might convince some of them to buy one anyway.
While the Toyota iQ it is based on has a more reasonable base price of £9,995 ($16,000 at the current exchange rate) in the UK, the Cygnet will cost a whopping £30,995 ($49,595). The Aston version does admittedly come with an upgraded interior that feature exclusive touches, like leather seating surfaces and exterior brightwork, but the add-ons hardly justify the extra cost.
The iQ’s roof and door panels, and even the headlights and side mirrors, are carried over to the Cygnet. The main changes were made to the front end, which makes an attempt at looking like a grown-up Aston Martin by sporting the company’s trademark grille and air scoops, which the Aston design team managed to squeeze onto the flanks and the tiny hood.
Powering the little car is a 98 hp (73 kW) 1.3-liter straight-four engine that produces only 110 grams of CO2 per kilometer and offers a fuel consumption of just 70 mpg UK (3.99 l/100km).
The Cygnet will be available first in the UK, then it will be introduced in other EU countries. Sales should not be restricted to a limited production number, however it is expected that demand from existing Aston owners will take priority.
Whether the Cygnet is a good idea or not, it seems that Aston is pushing forward with the launch of the citycar. While the cars styling, performance and package may not win over current fans of the British brand, its sheer exclusivity might convince some of them to buy one anyway.