aston cygnet

I remember when I first saw the Cygnet. In the office, having morning coffee, I unwrapped my weekly Autocar and nearly fell out of my chair! It wasn’t April Fools so this “Astonised” Toyota iQ had to be real. Only one official photo was released then – of people working on a clay model – and now Aston Martin shows the completed car and says that it will go on sale next year.

We can see that although the good folks at Gaydon have tacked on Aston styling cues such as the big grille, side fender vents and rear lights, the Cygnet still looks very much like an iQ. Similarly, the cabin retains the little Toyota’s dash architecture and instrument pack but with everything wrapped in red and black leather.

The official line is that the Cygnet “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.”

The Cygnet will be initially available only to Aston’s European customers before general sales start. Perhaps Aston is positioning the Cygnet as a “top up” option for its current menu, like when you’re offered dessert at a special price after buying the main course!

More pics after the jump.

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