Aston Martin Cygnet commuter concept official images

By George Skentzos | December 16th, 2009

Aston Martin has today released the first official photos of the Cygnet, its new luxury commuter car concept based on the Toyota iQ.

A most unlikely collaboration, the Cygnet concept promises to deliver the prestige of Aston Martin’s luxury brand ownership in a small, highly fuel efficient package.

The Cygnet first appeared in June as a full-size clay model and sparked mass controversy over the logic behind the decision to adapt the city vehicle to fit under the Aston Martin umbrella of performance cars.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, likens the Cygnet to an exclusive tender for a luxury yacht – a valid comparison considering most Aston Martin’s are usually tucked away in a garage.

The concept adopts many Aston Martin trademark design features both inside and out, including the signature grille and tail lamps, flush door handles, bonnet and side vents and instrument cluster.

Aston Martin plans to turn the Cygnet Concept into a production vehicle for customers in the UK and Europe from 2010.

Jake02

Give it bigger, less ugly wheels, more power than an iQ and it would look quite respectable. Well better than an iQ anyway…this might be Australia’s chance at getting the iQ!
Aim

The IQ is already overpriced, this is a very nice version, never the less still a toyota…
Wheelnut

They could/should have made the back look a bit more aerodynamic.. so it looks more like a “compact” DB-9 and not a Toyo-troll-ey
Alex

Well, though I wish I didn’t, I have to admit that I quite like it and could well be one of the suckers who ends up shelling out for one. I just think it looks good and I bet you’d still get noticed in one.
I still think it goes against everything Aston Martin is and it makes the brand a little less cool, but there’s no point in getting pissed off about it because it’s not my decision. And I suppose it will serve a purpose and it would be pretty cool if you could customize them to the same point that you can a DB9.
Mr Happy

It looks like those little “Aussie Racing Cars” the caricatures of AU XR8s, Aurions and FJs. It’s a Caricature of an Aston!

Cupid Stunt

Totally agree. Could almost see it in the CARS film chatting away.
Goes to show how good the iQ really is…only for the city though. Now theres an Aston I can really afford. What engine does it have, same as the Toyota?

Carl

That interior looks ghastly!
http://Supply&Demand F1 Addict

Only the most detached accountant could think this was a good idea.
The Real Car Fanatic

Aston Martin, what were you thinking? So much for all that heritage!

Jazrod

They’re thinking it would be a fun and interesting project, to steer away for just a small fraction of time towards a fuel efficient, small, and city friendly vehicle. This car will NEVER see the light of day, Aston Martin hasn’t said it enough. It was just an experiment, and even if people liked the concept, they still proclaim it won’t exist – As AM want to stay true to their brand identity.

Shak

I actually quiet like the interior. The exterior on the other hand is a bit ….

Devil’s Advocate

Being an “Aston Martin” it should have more sound deadening than the normal IQ so yes, the interior should be quiet…

Peter

I like it. It shows that you have no taste, a sense of humour, and plenty of loot to waste on a toy. It is the ultimate “up yours”, like lighting a cigar on a $50 note, or mixing Moet with orange juice – quite vulgar. Actually, I REALLY like it.
Grammar Nazi

At what cost Aston Martin? I know it’s probably a solid business proposition, but this will severely dilute the brand. Living in Sydney’s east, Astons are already a dime a dozen, it was a sad day when I realised I wasn’t amazed every time one drove past. Having said all that, looks like a fantastic package.
Sammy

I want want want one!
Altezza

I really like it. I don’t mind if it is Toyota based car, I still want an Aston Martin!
CarNut

There goes Aston’s credability! as if having a history of bankruptcy was not enough, they went and put an AMV8 Vantage between two Obese Women fighting over chicken wings and look at the product!!!
jweb

Kill it…yuck!.
imugli

If they end up selling it as a stand alone model, it may just be the only Aston most of us will ever be able to afford
Matty B

I think you will find the reasoning behind it is to lower Astons emmissions standards. By offering one of these cars with their other vehicles, you will effectively even out their overall emmissions to a much lower level and there for allow them to keep producing the higher level cars they currently are.

Trump

Same reason Nissan killed the silvia line.

And also protect the brand in a downturn like the porsche 4WD monstrocity.

This is a real embarrassment for Toyota, shows how lame their styling teams are.