As these first official images show, the Cygnet is still closely based on the Toyota iQ city car, retaining the same basic body shape and even the same front lights. The front has been given a heavy Aston-style rework, however, complete with trademark grille and even miniature bonnet vents.
At the rear, the iQ light cluster has been tweaked to give the Cygnet the familiar horseshoe shape, albeit set in the opposite direction to the Aston norm.
Overall - if you're being kind - you could say that the Cygnet looks like an pre-adolescent Aston. If you're being cruel, you could say it looks like the result of a horrible genetic experiment. We'll leave the choice up to you - and the P.H. O'Meter.
Inside, and as we have previously reported, the Cygnet retains the basic cabin architecture of its Toyota cousin, but the cabin has been extensively - and expensively - retrimmed.
Aston hasn't yet officially committed to building the Cygnet, but says that "work on the concept is ongoing and will continue into 2010 when it is hoped that it will become a production reality initially available to Aston Martin customers in the UK and Europe."
Should that happen, expect a production version of the Cygnet to be offered to existing Aston customers - or those buying a new 'full-size' Aston - for around £20,000.
Not sure what to say, I like small cars like the iQ, and I like Astons, that doesn't strictly mean I want to see a fusion of the two. And I do 'get' the tender concept, I do, but I'm not sure.
Say what you will though, this is one of the most talked about cars of the year.
Hideous car and reminds me of a smart car. My own personal opinion is that i would not feel as safe in a car of that size compared to a saloon car. Finally the price 20 grand is a hell of a lot for this car that looks like a smart car with an Aston martin badge stuck on it. I could think of alot of cars for 20 grand i would have over this option. As they say though opinions are like assholes everyone has one thats just my opinion
err hello is that Aston Martin? Can I please ask WTF are you thinking??????????
Perhaps they are thinking of ruining the brand image, trashing secondhand values so that DB9's can be bought by normal paupers?? Very considerate if so!