Aston Martin Cygnet Launch Editions


by Michael Satterfield

Have you ever wanted to spend just under $50,000 (or £30,995) on a $15,000 car with a nice interior and a body kit? If so Aston Martin has the car for you! The iconic British Sports Car maker has released pricing on its new Toyota iQ Cygnet. For that price, you get far more than just a different grill and re-tuned version of the ultra-powerful Toyota 1.0lt. You also get a fancy interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and if you live in the People Republic of London, you can avoid shelling out for those pesky congestion charges.


Aston Martin is launching two special-editions to kick off the launch and they have gotten creative with the names. The first car offered in white is called the Cygnet Launch Edition White. The exterior features chrome brightwork and custom wheels, while the interior gets pearl-white leather and satin chrome accents. The other car is painted black and is called... wait for it...the Cygnet Launch Edition Black. It is offered in Magic Black paint with green undertones. Matte-black louvers and chrome trim outside give it some style (like lipstick on a pig), while the cabin is treated to diamond-pattern black leather.

The only good thing I can think of is that perhaps the Cygnet will attract some of the London celebratards that currently drive the G-Wiz electric car around town, while it is just a Toyota in a bespoke suit, it is a slightly better choice than say a Reliant Robin.

(Source: Aston Martin)




Check out the official Press Release below:

ASTON MARTIN CYGNET LAUNCH EDITIONS; WHITE AND BLACK
20/01/11

* Aston Martin confirms launch details for new Cygnet city car
* Two special launch editions to commence production of city car at company's Gaydon headquarters in the UK
* An Aston Martin Tailor-Fit solution for the city offering luxury and individuality

Gaydon, 20 January 2011: Aston Martin announces the arrival of the ultimate city car, a Tailor-Fit solution for urban driving in the contemporary metropolis, with two strictly limited Cygnet launch editions.

To celebrate the commencement of production, the new Aston Martin Cygnet will be available in two special launch edition models, each exemplifying the highly bespoke nature of this unique car. The two Cygnet Launch Edition models; White and Black, are available with either standard manual or optional CVT automated transmission and each will be produced for a strictly limited time.

Cygnet is a bespoke luxury commuter car, designed to take you into the heart of the city, with ultra-compact packaging and low-emission engine technology. These efficiencies are paired with the manufacturing and craft skill that is closely associated with Aston Martin. Craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail characterize each Cygnet, and the extremely high levels of interior finish are exemplified by the choice of materials and colors on these two unique models.

Cygnet Launch Edition White brings together a serene exterior; finished in Snow White paint with a mix of silver mesh, chrome brightwork, and White Diamond turned alloy wheels. The interior of the White edition features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome. On the exterior, Aston Martin's attention to detail is exemplified with the iconic wings badge appearing in matching white.

In contrast, Cygnet Launch Edition Black features Magic Black metallic paint with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome brightwork. Inside, the seats and dash are finished in pure black full-grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern. Dark chrome accents adorn the cabin, while the wings badges are rendered in black throughout.

Both Cygnet Launch Editions also come with a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set, specially designed for and tailored to Cygnet. Available in a contemporary combination of black leather with technical fabric, the set comprises a glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag, and a collapsible tote bag.

Cygnet Background

Cygnet has generated a huge level of interest amongst both existing Aston Martin owners and customers new to the brand. High tech, compact and built to the same exacting standards and levels as Aston Martin's acclaimed range of sports cars, Cygnet has already become the perfect addition to a V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide, DBS or the forthcoming One-77 as the ultimate means of metropolitan transport.

Cygnet benefits from highly sophisticated active and passive safety technology to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, with a range of breakthrough features rarely seen in small cars. Cygnet delivers everything the city driver needs, from essential equipment like ABS, nine airbags, stability control, electronic brake assist and retractable door mirrors to a luxurious interior specification, including keyless entry and start, heated seats, and satellite navigation, all packed into a car that is just three meters long.

Despite its compact but neatly-proportioned form, Cygnet is clearly recognizable as an Aston Martin. The marque's characteristic design language, including signature details such as the metal grille, elongated side strake, and inverted rear lights, establish a distinguished, solid form with a strong road presence.

Cygnet is the eighth major production car Aston Martin has introduced at its state-of-the-art Gaydon facility since 2004 and is assembled in a new dedicated facility by the same skilled local workforce of technicians and craftspeople that create Aston Martin's award-winning range of sports cars. Cygnet demonstrates Aston Martin's ongoing commitment to British manufacturing, supported by a strong local supplier network providing the finest materials and components. As a result, Cygnet's build quality matches its discrete styling, the richly detailed interior and exterior forming a visual and tactile delight.
The Aston Martin Cygnet is a car without compromise, as dedicated to urban functionalism as its sporting siblings are to driver involvement, dynamics, and long-distance comfort. With space for up to four adults, Cygnet is light, compact, safe, efficient and highly maneuverable.

Launch Edition White and Launch Edition Black epitomize Cygnet's qualities; craft and skill in a luxurious but compact package, with heart, soul and personality Tailor-Fit for the modern city.
Cygnet production commences in April 2011 and is initially on sale now through Aston Martin's European dealership network, with the company actively working on expanding market availability by 2012.

Cygnet production commences in April 2011 and is initially on sale now through Aston Martin's European dealership network, with the company actively working on expanding market availability by 2012. Prices start from £30,995.