This summer, we reported on the ridiculous possibility of Aston restyling the Toyota iQ and calling it the Cygnet. Now it’s here.
All we saw before was a picture of a styling mockup that resembled a first-semester design student’s effort to apply the Aston Martin styling language to the iQ. The task was achieved not by a philosophical analysis of the bigger, Henrik Fisker–styled models and an original application onto a smaller platform. Instead, the styling department has grafted shrunken variations of the well-known Aston headlight contour, air intakes, and side scoops onto the iQ at what seems to be minimal cost.
Now we see the final product and, alas, it looks exactly like the design proposal. We also get treated to a picture of the rear; the Cygnet gets a unique rear bumper and taillights, and—we still find it hard to believe—the Aston Martin logo. The wheels are exclusive to the Cygnet as well.
The interior of the Cygnet is a spiced-up version of the iQ’s; there is leather and beautiful stitching everywhere, the instrument graphics are altered, and the iPod touch prominently featured on the dashboard hints that Cygnet drivers probably have many things in mind which are more important than serious motoring.
The interior shot also betrays the transmission used: Toyota's Multidrive box, a continuously variable transmission which is just perfect for buzzing around town in a Japanese minicar. Mark it down as another first for Aston.
Toyota will deliver iQs to the Aston Martin factory in Gaydon, where they will be completed. Likely to be priced in the equivalent of the $35,000 to $42,000 range, they have already been met with eager interest by current Aston Martin owners, the company claims. And you need to be one of those to qualify for buying the tiny Cygnet—at least for the time being. Not a bad marketing ploy.
"Launching in 2010 is our target," says an Aston Martin spokesperson, adding that "Continental Europe and the U.K. are our priorities now, but we won't rule out a U.S. launch.” We can hear it now: “Daddy, can I have one?”
Thanks to: Car and Driver