Aston Martin confirms production of Cygnet, Oz delivery from 2012

It might sound like a soap commercial, but with Aston Martin confirming its luxury city car, Cygnet, will enter production next year, the chance for mere mortals to jump behind the wheel of the prestigious British brand is now more realistic than ever.

Based on the Toyota iQ, Aston Martin's Cygnet light hatch was first shown as a concept car this March, setting new standards in compact luxury, without losing the heritage and prestige associated with the luxury marque.

"It is time to think differently. Aston Martin is honest and we don't make compromises" says Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez.

"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.

"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."

The car's diminutive proportions and powerplant are shared with its donor model, with exterior and interior changes providing additional quality and comfort. Evident Aston Martin design cues include the famous grille, revised headlamps and tail lights, plus a supple leather-clad interior.

At just three metres long, Cygnet is powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing just 72kW. Its miniscule footprint also makes it a cinch to park.

"Cygnet is small but luxurious, an Aston Martin tailor fit for the city," says Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's Director of Design.

Like most Aston Martin vehicles, Cygnet will offer the marque's bespoke tailoring service, an almost unlimited palette of materials, colours and textures, each hand-finished, ensure  Cygnet will be truly unique to owner's tastes.

Recognising the need to work in the confines of changing social values, Aston Martin says Cygnet will assist the brand in becoming an enduring image that will prosper in new market conditions.

"The Cygnet is designed to support our sports cars by providing a greater degree of freedom in the urban context; it is a very special car, a premium but compact package with heart, soul and personality," explained Bez. "This car is reality; Cygnet is the natural choice for those who want a premium, bespoke commuter car."

Locally, Aston Martin says the Cygnet is likely to retail for around $60,000 when it goes on sale in 2012. Aston Martin's representative in Australia, Marcel Fabris, telling the Carsales Network "Cygnet is planned for release in Australia during 2012 in order to meet significant levels of interest from existing Aston Martin owners and customer completely new to the brand."

Environmental values and a desire for high-quality surrounds also highlighted as likely rationales in Cygnet purchases.

"Currently in the Australian market there is no bespoke, high-quality, mirco commuter car," explained Fabris. "Given the environmental concerns these days, there are a lot of people that are environmentally conscious that don't want to drive a $15,000 car. They want a bespoke car that they can choose the colour of and the type of leather."

Accurate pricing and full specification details will be announced soon, the micro-hatch the eighth major production car to roll off the production line at Aston Martin's Gaydon plant since 2004.

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