The Cygnet’s exterior combines an all-new Aston grille with standard iQ lights to impressive effect. It has been devised entirely by Aston’s Gaydon design group, led by Marek Reichman.The luxurious, all-hide interior, also designed by Aston, uses the existing cabin’s instrument pack and architecture, but new colours and trim materials give it a new look that’s much more luxurious than the standard iQ’s.
The Cygnet uses standard Toyota iQ mechanical components and proportions, but with different wheels and tires. It is believed that both the iQ’s punchier 1.3 litre four-cylinder engine is the most likely to be offered. The new model, officially billed as a concept, is expected to be offered for sale before the end of next year.
Cars will be sold exclusively through Aston dealers. Aston insiders concede that adding the car to its range will have benefits for the company’s average carbon dioxide emissions, but stress that this isn’t the motivation for building the Cygnet. Ulrich Bez, who describes Toyota as the world leader in volume manufacture, wants to offer the Cygnet to existing Aston owners as “a unique combination of opposites, and a novel transport solution”.
Andrew Christian
4wheelsnews
JustLuxe Contributor