Aston Martin's new ugly duckling

We never thought we’d see supercar manufacturer Aston Martin bring out a city car, but that’s exactly what they’re looking at doing.

The newly unveiled Cygnet is a concept car based on the tiny Toyota iQ and, if it goes into production, will add a commuter car to Aston Martin’s range of sports cars – complete with trademark grille.

It’s also a sign of the growing pressures on car manufacturers to have an environmentally friendly option within its portfolio. The Cygnet’s diminutive size means less weight, which means a much better fuel economy and lower polluting exhaust emissions.

The iQ upon which the Cygnet is based has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Aston Martin’s chief executive, Dr Ulrich Bez, said: “Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this first bold step to embark on this special project - made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota’s stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ.

“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.

“The offering of a ‘Cygnet’ with a DBS, DB9 or Vantage is a unique combination of opposites and a novel transport solution allowing intelligent and sensitive mobility on an exclusive and innovative level.”