Why Did Aston Martin Build The Toyota iQ-based Cygnet? Aston CEO Explains...

Autocar reports:

"Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez has defended the company's decision to launch the Cygnet city car, a reworked version of the Toyota iQ.

The Aston Martin Cygnet, which will cost £30-50,000 when it goes on sale, has drawn criticism for undermining the brand values that have made Astons so exclusive.

But Bez countered: "First, we need a more sustainable product line-up. This company has been brought back from the brink of bankruptcy too many times. We need to be sensitive to the economic and social climate; to offer cars that people can buy even in tough times.

“Second, we need to satisfy demand where we know it exists,” he goes on. “We have many customers who live in London, Paris, Rome or Milan, and who would like to drive their Aston Martin more often..."

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iamdabest1 - 3/7/2010 10:46:06 PM

+5 Boost

i dont think this will make aston martin look like a cheap brand, i think the customer who buys this car and has the audacity to answer when asked "what car do you have ?" " Aston Martin" is the fool...

otherwise i dont mind seeing this car on the road, i think it looks great for the class it competes in... mini cooper, smart...

WorldofLuxury - 3/7/2010 11:02:05 PM

+5 Boost

It's a fun little thing like those very expensive bikinis and thongs.

wins555 - 3/7/2010 11:08:39 PM

+4 Boost

This car will probably appeal to women and younger buyers of the brand then will later upgrade to the more expensive models. IMO.

85bmw745i - 3/11/2010 2:16:05 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah except I don't see anyone being able to afford jump from this to even the next cheapest Aston Martin which is well over $100K

upwards - 3/8/2010 1:25:24 AM

+2 Boost

Why pay more for this when the iq is just about the same car for less money.

Agent63 - 3/8/2010 1:55:48 AM

+3 Boost

It's for those Aston Martin owners that want their children who are studying in Universities to drive in a nice compact vehicle but not sacrificing luxury and refinement of that Aston interior. Small and compact = good gas mileage with sexy looks from the Cygnet. It's far from a Toyota iQ even though it's based on it. Nothing justifies paying a million bucks for a Ferrari but people still buy it. The Cygnet will have an elite list of buyers. Who knows, maybe someone who owns a huge estate in the back country side of England will want one just to drive around on his land. I know I would feel like royalty if I had this for that purpose, or just going to the nearby pantry. It's a head turning little car.

uaw_lax - 3/8/2010 2:26:03 AM

+1 Boost

I dont think so Aent63. If they are counting on the owners of Aston Martins to buy this thing for the kids they are in trouble. since there are few Aston owners to begin with and even fewer that may have kids.

LACMAN - 3/8/2010 5:19:19 PM

+1 Boost

I think I remember reading somewhere that Aston will not sell this to everyone. Its supposedly only for current Aston owners or something like that. Anyway, what is this suppose to mean: “We have many customers who live in London, Paris, Rome or Milan, and who would like to drive their Aston Martin more often..."? Then why dont they?

LACMAN - 3/8/2010 5:23:46 PM

+2 Boost

Now that I think about it, Aston should have crept down the size ladder. After the Rapide, why did they have to slap us in the face with a mini-car?

CarCrazedinCali - 3/9/2010 1:08:20 AM

+1 Boost

Wonder how much Toyota paid Aston for this- usually it would be the other way around... Funny how Aston went from extreme (larger exotics) to extreme (tiny city cars). Personally I would never consider this re-badged Toyota- much rather a MINI which gets good fuel economy (could use a hybrid feature to boost it), feels premium and actually is fun to drive.