Most folks would say that luxury cars and commuter cars are mutually exclusive. Not Aston Martin, which is developing the Cygnet concept in partnership with Toyota, and using the Japanese maker's iQ as a base.
Say the name, Aston Martin, and it invariably brings up images of the most exclusive automotive products, like the DB9 or Vanquish, vehicles that can push into the $250,000 territory.
So what is Aston doing with the Cygnet, which it is billing as an “innovative commuter car concept”? There’s a lot of interest in basic, around-town transportation, these days, but most offerings are rather basic affairs, like the Smart fortwo or the Think City electric vehicle. Has the British maker found a way to make the terms, luxury and commuter car, synonymous rather than mutually exclusive?
It should help that Aston has turned for help to Toyota, maker of the Yaris, Venza and other forms of basic, around-town transportation. While the British marque isn’t offering many details, it does confirm that the Cygnet concept is based on the Japanese maker’s pint-sized iQ, a 3-door hatchback that was first introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Measuring just 117.5 inches, nose-to-tail, iQ went on sale in Japan in late 2008, and in the U.K., this past January.
“Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project,” said Aston CEO Ulrich Bez, in a prepared release, adding “Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future. This concept – akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht – will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market.”
Whether Aston has any real intention of bringing a Cygnet-like vehicle to market is unclear. But like its luxury rivals, the company – now owned by a Kuwaiti investment group – faces a fast-changing world in which it could be legislated out of existence. The biggest threats are new emissions and fuel economy rules that would come down hard not only on gas-slurping SUVs and other light trucks, but also on high-powered – and fuel-thirsty sports cars.
Having a high-mileage model in the line-up could help offset the problem – one reason Porsche is getting ready to launch a hybrid powertrain, for example, and why Daimler AG has launched models like the downsized A-Class. Meanwhile, several new entrants into the luxury segment are starting out with alternative powertrain systems, such as Fisker Automotive, whose Karma sports car will be powered by a plug-in hybrid.
The acceptance of models like the A-Class and BMW’s Mini suggest that consumers are beginning to shift from the traditional size/value equation, one that measured price by the foot and pound. But whether a Toyota-based microcar, like Cygnet, could be sold at an Aston-level premium remains to be seen.
Expect to see the actual Aston Martin Cygnet concept making the auto show rounds later this year,