British supercar builder Aston Martin today announced plans to build its most controversial ever model – a £30,000 CITY CAR.
The Aston Martin Cygnet will be the company’s first foray into small car building as it reacts to strict EU regulations on carbon emissions.
Based on a Toyota iQ but re-bodied as an Aston Martin, the Cygnet will cost a staggering £30,000 and will initially only be available to existing customers when it goes on sale in the middle of next year.
This means the likes of Prince Charles, footballer Fernando Torres, and MI6’s finest spy, James Bond could all be scooting around town in the pint-sized motors.
It’s a move the famous supercar builder has been forced into making following new environmental rules for car companies.
Under new regulations set out by the EU, companies are expected to have carbon dioxide emissions averaging just 130g/km.
With Aston Martin’s supercars ranging from 328g/km to 389g/km, they needed to react – so it’s out with the V12 engines and in with Toyota’s 1.3-litre engine which emits 113g/km.
Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez said: “Whatever we do, we do right. If we do performance, we do performance; we don’t downsize or compromise our sports cars.
“The Cygnet needs to satisfy the demands of emissions and space. It is a car without compromise, just like every other Aston Martin.”
Aston Martin will import the Toyota iQ from Japan and fit the models with a host of unmistakable brand features including the iconic grille – and charge THREE TIMES the price of a standard £10,000 iQ for the privilege.
The ultra-expensive Cygnet will be available in an unlimited palette of materials, colours and textures with all models hand finished at the company’s factory in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
Mr Bez added: “Our customers need a small car for urban and city use, and they want the right tools for the right job, to downsize creatively without compromising intelligence, artistry and personality.
“Cygnet is the natural choice for those who want a premium, bespoke commuter car.”
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Had to double check it wasn’t the 1st of April!!!!
Not sure about the maths on this.If they are to hit the average 130g target they will have to sell 12 Cygnets for every “Swan” and that is assuming the Swan is 328g, working on 389g you need 16 !!This doesn’t seem realistic.
So theyre not fettling the engine in any way to make it lighter, more efficient, increase quality of the components, or to hand finish it like all other astons are??
Surely a prestigeous company such as Aston Martin can do a better job than an East Midlands Toyota mechanic can when it comes to putting an engine together??
what a waste of money……….
having a laugh.
Aston Martin Cygnet – for those with more money than sense 🙂 – the ulimate driving experience (just like the iQ)