From Auto Express:
From supercars to a supermini! These are the amazing pictures that will have car fans shaking their heads in disbelief. But it really is true...
Aston Martin is building a model that’s even smaller than a Ford Fiesta!

Based on the Toyota iQ, the Cygnet is the result of a joint venture with the Japanese giant. Details are scarce at the moment, but the tiniest Aston Martin ever is expected to share the same three-cylinder petrol engine as the iQ, along with its innovative three- plus-one seating arrangement.

It will also boast a Euro NCAP five-star crash safety rating. And with a low-emission, highly economical engine, the Cygnet will help Aston to meet increasingly stringent environmental targets too.
As you can see, the firm has managed to distill all of the design cues from its supercar range into a package measuring only three metres long.

Inside, expect the same attention to detail as you’d get on the DBS, with a leather-clad cabin featuring the very best materials, along with an ECU (Emotion Control Unit) that plugs into the centre console, replacing a traditional key.

However, not just anyone will be able to buy a Cygnet. In order to snap up one of the must-have urban machines, you have to already own an Aston Martin, as the firm is only making them available to existing customers. The company has identified that around 30 per cent of owners have small cars such as the MINI or Smart ForTwo in their garages, using them for short journeys to and from city-based offices. Now Aston is giving them the chance to buy their very own ‘luxury commuter’.

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin chief executive, explained more about the Cygnet: “Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this 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.

 

Where do you think Q will hide the missiles?

 

I really hope this doesn't make it to production. Props to AM for thinking outside the box on this project, but it's just not a good idea for them to actually build it.

 

If they should produce a small car, why not go the Smart Roadster way? That was an awesome small fuel efficent car.

 

I'm with you Alex. Not every idea is a good one, and this would absolutely kill AM's image, not to mention the direction and progress they've made for the past 10 years. It's obvious they are attempting to capture a different segment of the market, but rest assured, it's not a segment Aston Martin can or should occupy! I still can't look at a Smart/Little Tykes car without wanting to push it over.

 

Really not thinking this through. Are they gonna have a $50K+ smart car? Or do they really think they can sell a lot of these without watering down their image and wihtout a service network to take care of their customers? Or are you getting your Aston serviced at Toyota? Do I as a distinguished Aston driver wait in the same waiting room as Toyota drivers? Will it be as reliable as a Toyota? Will I stand in line at the service checkout with Echo or Yaris owner?

So many questions, such a little car.

 

OMG I so hope it never makes it to the streets ... what a disgrace.

 

AM trying to get in with the Prius & Honda Fit? gross.