Aug 25, 2024, 9:00 AM
Is the Aston Martin Cygnet a quirky and fun city car or a flaw in Aston Martin's history? The Cygnet, introduced in 2011, was essentially a rebadged Toyota iQ, created to help Aston Martin meet the European Union's 2012 fleet average emissions regulations. Developed under the codename P298, the Cygnet was initially marketed only in the UK, with sales beginning in January 2011. The following year, its availability expanded to other European markets. Former CEO Ulrich Bez projected annual sales of around 4,000 units at a price of approximately € 35,250 - about three times the cost of the Toyota iQ. Bez claimed that the Cygnet represented the company's "commitment to innovation and integrity" while addressing emissions and space requirements.