Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Aston Martin Cygnet concept = Toyota iQ in a tuxedo

Aston Marton Cygnet concept - Subcompact CultureCall me skeptical, but I just don't get it. Aston Martin released official images of the Cygnet Concept—a luxury-branded city car. In this case, a Toyota iQ wearing a tuxedo. I mean, I think the Toyota iQ will be a neat car—certainly a Smart ForTwo fighter. However, rebadging an iQ and selling it as an Aston Martin, complete with signature grille, fake fender vents, and goofy-looking hood vents? Sorry; I still don't get it.

On the plus side, I think the interior is cool looking, and I like the taillight treatment. Pricing hasn't been announced, but I can't imagine it'll be cheap. Then again, compared to a DB9 (or any of its other cars), I'm sure it'd be a bargain.

Now granted, this is still officially a concept vehicle. However, assuming this goes into production, would people really shell out the money for an ultra luxury-branded city car? I mean, this isn't like a BMW, Audi, or Lexus city car, this is an Aston Martin.

Aston Martin Cygnet - Subcompact CultureAston Martin Cygnet - Subcompact Culture

2 comments:

nlpnt said...

IIRC the plan is to guarantee exclusivity by restricting sale to people who already own big Astons.
....But I'd guess that most Aston owners who'd be interested already own Mini Coopers, and so may just buy them to resell immediately.

OTOH, Toyota's all but guaranteed not to lose money on the deal, and I can see this leading to a HILARIOUS Top Gear test...

Andy Lilienthal said...

"I can see this leading to a HILARIOUS Top Gear test..."

Indeed, nlpnt, indeed!