Aston Martin : Toyota iQ-based Cygnet commuter concept car announced

Aston Martin Cygnet - a Toyota iQ-based commuter concept car
Aston Martin Cygnet - a Toyota iQ-based commuter concept car

Aston Martin has developed a new luxury commuter concept which has been christened the Cygnet and will afford ‘customers a distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury.’ The concept will offer Aston Martin’s trademark design in a commuter car package based on the critically acclaimed Toyota iQ with a Euro NCAP 5-star safety package.

The company claims that the Cygnet concept ‘represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence – and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin’s luxury brand ownership.’

Aston Martin’s collaboration with Toyota on this concept reportedly came about as the result of a chance meeting between the company’s Chief Executive, Dr. Ulrich Bez, and Toyota Motor Corporation’s new President, Akio Toyoda, when both were competing in last month’s Nurburgring 24hr race and their respective works teams were sharing a pit garage.

Dr. Ulrich Bez said: ‘Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project – made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota’s stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ.

‘Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future. This concept – akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht – will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market.

‘The offering of a Cygnet with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level.’

Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President of Toyota Motor Europe added: ‘It’s a great compliment that the Toyota iQ has been hand-picked by one of the world’s most prestigious sports car brands, a company with whom we also share a strong friendship. This collaboration represents a natural pairing of strategies: a small yet spacious package, perfect for the city driver, finished off with Aston Martin’s iconic design language. The Cygnet is a good choice for the Aston Martin owner looking for that second or third car, which is luxurious and eco-conscious.’

Clive Goldthorp

3 Comments

  1. I remember that, in the late 1980s when Ford took over Aston Martin, CAR Magazine published a letter in which the writer said he was “looking forward to driving the Aston Martin Vantage Popular Plus (with lean-burn engine) and the Volante GL” – I guess those days have come to pass!

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