Aston Martin Cygnet to offer "no compromises" luxury interior
Toyota iQ-based Aston Martin Cygnet concept - Click above to enlarge
We're still not sure what to think about Aston Martin's foray into microcar territory with its Cygnet concept, which is based heavily on the diminutive Toyota iQ. In reality, the supercar-spec front fascia treatment doesn't look all that bad when applied to the Japanese runabout, but there are legitimate concerns that the mere presence of the Cygnet in Aston's lineup will severely damage the brand's good reputation among petrolheads. Perhaps in an effort to appease the critics, Aston Martin chief Dr. Ulrich Bez covered his bases when talking to Auto Express:
Until now, small cars offered a message that people are buying something cheap. The Cygnet will show that small cars can also make a statement. It will be an intelligent purchase for people concerned about the environment, but who also want to enjoy all the luxury associated with a premium brand such as Aston Martin.Chief among the upgrades Aston Martin plans to make to the basic iQ platform will be an interior swathed in the finest leathers, wood trims and carbon fiber. Sounds nice, but we still question whether the effort will seem disingenuous in light of the Cygnet's plebeian roots.
[Source: Auto Express]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
JustMe 4:29PM (7/15/2009)
That's kinda an intelligent choice. The Aston name and small car efficiency...
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Snoopy 8:04PM (7/06/2009)
I think The Toronto Star summed it up decently in this article (http://www.wheels.ca/newsFeatures/article/733705). It brings a drop in the company's overall fuel consumption rating.
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Mirko 2:28AM (7/07/2009)
I don't think a premium subcompact under the Aston Martin brand would be a bad idea.
This however is a cynical attempt at Pontiac-G3-level badge engineering, no matter how much leather they throw at it.
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Blacksabre 6:47AM (7/07/2009)
Silk purse from a sow's ear comes to mind.
You may be surrounded in lush leather, staring at hand rubbed walnut, but the car still buzzes annoyingly, has the acceleration of a Renault Alliance, and holds two people and a bag of Cheetos.
Besides which I'm guessing a price tag of around $25-30,000.00...or about 50% more, if you live in the EU.
Couirse, it'll outrun a Volt, for about half the price, and be more nicely appointed, but...huh? I wasn't supposed to say that?
Oh. Sorry.
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nrb 10:04AM (7/07/2009)
"I'm guessing a price tag of around $25-30,000.00.."
Funny, I was thinking it'd be $80-90,000.00.
FitFan 10:20AM (7/07/2009)
This is a subcompact running on an ICE. It has nothing in common with the Volt.
Blacksabre 11:50AM (7/07/2009)
What it has in common with a Volt is a high gas mileage marketing state, with moderate performance and an otherwise ridiculous price tag. The Volt, of course, will cost about twice what this will, without the nice interior and name status, and this car will otherwise be nearly as efficient, with a much nicer environment.
I never said a thing about these two cars being mechanically similar.
My point was, the Volt is a terrible loser...and is unlikely to ever sell enough to make any sense, at $50,000.00 a copy.
Throwback 12:58PM (7/07/2009)
Where did you get the 50K price for the Volt? Even with the low volumes the Volt will outsell this car in the US if it is sold here.
FitFan 6:56PM (7/07/2009)
@ Blacksabre
I guess I'd have a few questions about your assumptions:
1) where are you getting the $50K price tag. all quotes I'm seeing are $40k
2) how did you arrive at the assumption that they have similar gas mileage? The iQ gets about 55mpg, and will be worse when it's burdened by the extra weight (leather, sound deadening, etc). So it's likely to come in between 45 and 50 mpg. The Volt's mpg numbers haven't been published, since the car hasn't been tested by the EPA. Even after it's tested by the EPA it will depend on usage. If your commute is 40 miles or less, your effective mpg will be well over 100.
The other thing is that the Volt will be a larger and much more comfortable car than the iQ. I'd be surprised if many people end up cross-shopping these two vehicles -- if they even make it to market.
Throwback 8:32AM (7/07/2009)
They have not said if they will sell this in the USA. I think this will dilute AMs image. Aston should create a sub brand if they are serious about this.
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Rambler 9:17AM (7/07/2009)
This is a great idea and well done Aston.
I owned an Audi A2 and really liked the concept of the luxury micro car, my Smart had had great dynamics but was let down by quality of materials.
I
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win39 11:12AM (7/07/2009)
Maybe this car will help break the manufacturer mindset between a frugal power plant and a cheap a.. interior. Just because you want use less oil does not mean you want to wear a hair shirt. The MINI was a start, you really should have more of a choice. A2 is not available here.
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