It seems like it's been forever since we found out that Aston Martin was releasing the re-badged version of the Toyota iQ, which they began calling the Cygnet. The wait was longer than what we expected, but finally, Aston martin has lifted the covers off of the Cygnet at the Geneva Motor Show.

According to Aston Martin, the "Cygnet concept represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence – and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin’s luxury brand ownership."

The Aston Martin Cygnet will be powered by a 1.3 liter engine delivering a total of 97-hp with a top speed of 105 mph.

Like what we said: the Cygnet is, effectively, an iQ for the elite; and by elite, we don't mean just any other rich person that has money to burn. Limited to only 2000 units, the Cygnet is only available to people who currently have an Aston Martin parked in their garage so even if, say, you're a millionaire who puts cash on your dining table as a centerpiece, you're out of luck. Unless you own an Aston Martin, you can't get your hands on a Cygnet.

UPDATE 09/01/2010: Aston Martin has just announced that the Cygnet will become available in the USA in 2012, but potential buyers will still have to own an Aston in order to purchase the hatchback.

UPDATE 12/14/2011: Aston Martin has unveiled a new video of the small Cygnet in which they present the exquisite craftsmanship. Enjoy!

Press release after the jump.

2011 Aston Martin Cygnet

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Aston Martin Cygnet
  • Horsepower: 97
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

 The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept is a bold step towards a new form of transportation; the luxury commuter car, a form of personal transportation that sees the company's core values engage with a new environment.

The Cygnet Concept enhances the marque, pointing to a future of ongoing innovation, design and technology; allowing Aston Martin customers a greater degree of freedom without compromising the levels of design, quality and innovation that embody the brand.

An Aston Martin delivers the pleasure and exhilaration of driving combined with an appreciation of craftsmanship, design and technology. But Aston Martin is also about innovation, forging new links and associations; and bringing the brand's qualities to new sectors of the market.

“Many of our customers have a need for a small car for urban and city use,” says Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Cygnet Concept brings intelligence, innovation and artistry to the small car market. The Cygnet Concept represents the natural choice for those customers looking for a premium commuter car.”

“Our past, our future and our backbone will always remain sports cars, but the Cygnet Concept will support this by offering our customers a greater degree of freedom in the urban context.”

The Cygnet Concept is the result of a unique and intelligent collaboration, the coming together of two companies that are leaders in their respective fields. The project has required a close intellectual and engineering partnership, resulting in an inventive solution that unites volume and niche automotive engineering.

Aston Martin has always understood the importance of an emotional engagement with its products. As the company continues to innovate and diversify its product portfolio, emotional design will remain at the heart of its strategy, be it through the exhilarating sound of a V12 engine, the unmistakeable silhouette of an Aston Martin sports car or the quality, craftsmanship and skill that is evident in an Aston Martin interior. The Cygnet Concept exemplifies this latter attribute, demonstrating the high levels of detail design and craft that are integral to every Aston Martin, presented within a compact and highly advanced technological package.

The Cygnet Concept is a demonstration of Aston Martin's unrivalled skill at creating hand-crafted interiors. The rich blend of hand-stitched leather, Alcantara and aluminium is shared with Aston Martin's sports cars. The company's extensive experience of traditional processes and richly detailed craftsmanship gives each Aston Martin a unique feel, bringing together detailed design work, high technology and exquisitely tactile materials.

As a luxury commuter car that can slip easily and unobtrusively into the city, the Cygnet Concept is a highly intelligent solution to urban mobility. Using tried and tested technology, together with Aston Martin's acclaimed levels of personalisation and customisation, material quality, craft skill and tactile delight, the Cygnet Concept is innovative and forward-thinking, a genuine solution for future mobility and a natural partner for Aston Martin's line-up of acclaimed luxury sports cars.