Aston Explains Toyota-based Cygnet

There’s been a lot of questions raised about the viability of Aston Martin’s Cygnet; the Toyota iQ-based premium hatchback with a proposed MSRP of $35,000 USD. After all, when your business is preparing vehicles for the world’s elite, the decision to remanufacture a Toyota sub-compact might be construed as slumming it.

But, according to Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, the Cygnet will make up for its humble roots by being available only to existing Aston Martin customers; in other words, you need to own a proper Aston before you can purchase its baby brother. As Bez stated in a recent issue of Aston Martin magazine; "this concept is akin to an exclusive tender for a luxury yacht."

While the notion may not make much sense to North American Aston Martin owners, the Cygnet will undoubtedly be slightly more logical for those stifled by exorbitantly high European fuel prices. And seeing as all 2,000 Cygnets will remain in the European continent, its success might surprise.