Earlier this year we took a look at two small cars that emphasize design sensitivity and quality of finish. Both the VW Polo and the Ford Fiesta show the new ways small cars are being reborn as premium automobiles. The trend hasn’t gone unnoticed even at traditional luxury car manufacturers. Aston Martin is preparing a small car concept of its own based on of all things the Toyota iQ.
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 Chief Executive, 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.
Toyota’s IQ has been making the rounds this year. You’ll remember we picked the concept Scion iQ as one of our favorite cars debuted at this years past New York Auto Show.
[via cartype]
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Reddit
StumbleUpon
Looks like a toad being treated at a high-end hair salon. With few exceptions, these small cars feel just plain inferior to regular vehicles — it’s the same way people reacted to Japanese imports thirty years ago. Companies can embrace it, or they can dodge it, but they can’t fight it.
June 30th, 2009 at 11:24 am
A luxury small car… neat idea. I like companies with the guts to break the mold.
June 30th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Not so much the guts to break the mold as being innovative about new emissions regulations. Aston Martin isn’t part of a family of cars in which it can share its bad mileage and greenhouse gases (unlike Ferrari, which is owned by Fiat). So, one way to get around it is develop a small luxury car with great mileage to balance out the offending big cars. And here’s the catch — most reports say the small car will only be sold to existing Aston martin owners (a brilliant strategy for preserving the brand’s exclusivity) — but ultimately it means more profits for Aston Martin if existing owners also snap up these tiny “accessory” cars.
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:48 pm