Aston Martin Cygnet Concept – Geneva 2010

It’s a bold move as there are plenty of critics who feel that the little city car could damage the company’s impeccable sports car heritage dating back close to 100 years.

On the other hand, it could be the smart move, particularly for those Aston owners who live in horrendously congested cities such as London, Paris and Rome for example.

It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to fire up the big V12 in your DB9 just to drive in from Wimbledon to London for an early Monday morning board meeting. Far better off taking your ultra low emissions Aston Martin tender car on such a high-risk mission.

But don’t think for one minute that you won’t be getting that same level of bespoke craftsmanship with hand stitched leather trim and the Alcantara headliner that you’re used to in the DB9.

It’s all about luxury with the Cygnet, but in a brand new environment. This is Aston Martin’s commuter car, which will live almost entirely in the city and suburbia.

Think of it as your Aston that doubles as a mobile shopping trolley and I can see the Cygnet being a big hit with current Aston Martin owners.

And that’s just one market, but there are two other major buyer groups that have expressed genuine interest in the petit Aston, should the company open the order books up to the general public.

Anyone willing to spend 60 thousand dollars on a mass-produced car might be willing to trade size and power for additional luxury and exclusivity, not to mention an Aston Martin badge.

Exclusive hotel chains and event companies have expressed keen interest in purchasing fleets of Cygnets for guest shuttle services.

We don’t think Aston Martin will have any trouble in attracting 4000 buyers for the Cygnet, in fact, we suspect demand will outstrip initial production targets.