Aston Martin Cygnet

Aston Martin Cygnet

Manufacturer	Aston Martin
Production	2011–
Assembly	Gaydon, Warwickshire, UK
Class	Hot hatch
Body style	2+2 hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Engine	1.3 L petrol I4
Transmission	6-speed manual, CVT
Related	Toyota iQ

The Aston Martin Cygnet is a 2+2 marketed by Aston Martin since 2011 as a rebadged variant of the Toyota iQ, which was created to enable Aston Martin to comply with the European Union-imposed fleet average emissions regulations taking effect in 2012.^[1][2]

Aston Martin Cygnet Interior

The Cygnet will be available initially only in the UK, and then to other EU countries. Production and sales commenced in January 2011 and the market coverage will expand by 2012.^[3] Sales will not be restricted; however, it is expected that demand from existing Aston Martin owners for Cygnet would initially take priority. Aston CEO Ulrich Bez recently announced shipping expectations of about 4000 per year at a price of about £30,000-^[4] about three times as much as the iQ.^[5] Bez claims that the Cygnet demonstrates the company's "commitment to innovation and integrity", whilst respecting the need to "satisfy demands of emissions and space".^[6]

Aston Martin's changes to the design were limited to slight exterior tweaks and a reworked interior, with aspects of the Toyota's hard-plastic interior remaining.^[7]

The Cygnet has 98 bhp (73 kW; 99 PS) 1.3L straight-4 engine, it produces 110g of CO₂/km and the fuel consumption is 58.9 mpg_-US (3.99 L/100 km; 70.7 mpg_-imp).^[8]

The Cygnet was featured in the 'News' section of the BBC's Top Gear car show (Season 15, Episode 3), with Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond casting scorn on the concept, and suggesting that the company should sell horses instead.^[9]

References

1. ^ "EU 2012 emission rules". European Commission. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/transport/co2/co2_home.htm. Retrieved 14 October 2010. 
2. ^ http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/aston-martin-cygnet-toyota-iq-2011-01-20
3. ^ "Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Editions; White and Black". astonmartin.com. http://www.astonmartin.com/eng/thecompany/news?a=87baae1a-a4cd-4483-bdc4-86f103dd2931. Retrieved 22 January 2011. 
4. ^ "Aston shares to fund new cars". Autocar. http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/247522/. Retrieved 14 February 2010. 
5. ^ http://www.evo.co.uk/news/evonews/262507/aston_martin_cygnet_launch_editions.html
6. ^ http://www.autotalk.com/aston-martin-cygnet-confirmed-for-production-6743/
7. ^ Thierry Etienne (21 July 2011). "Aston Martin Cygnet, la plus snob des citadines". Le Figaro. http://www.lefigaro.fr/automobile/2011/07/21/03001-20110721ARTFIG00502-aston-martin-cygnet-la-plus-snob-des-citadines.php. 
8. ^ "Aston Martin Cygnet details". 4 Wheels News. http://www.4wheelsnews.com/aston-martin-cygnet-full-details-and-specs/. Retrieved 14 October 2010. 
9. ^ Top Gear. No. 3, season 15. Event occurs at 15:50-18:00.

• Filipponio, Frank (29 June 2009). "Aston Martin Cygnet adds a smart set of clothes to the Toyota iQ". Autoblog. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/report-aston-martin-cygnet-adds-a-smart-set-of-clothes-to-the-t/. Retrieved 17 December 2009. 
• Cropley, Steve (1 July 2009). "Updated: Aston Cygnet gallery". Autocar. http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Aston-Martin-Concepts/241124/. Retrieved 17 March 2010. 
• Williams, David (16 December 2009). "Baby Aston Martin Cygnet". Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/car-manufacturers/aston-martin/6826549/Baby-Aston-Martin-Cygnet.html. Retrieved 17 December 2009. 

External links

• Official website