Aston Martin Cygnet: $30k - €25k Mini Based on the Toyota iQ and it's Official!

We know what you're thinking but you couldn't be more wrong; this is not some funky replica kit but an official concept for an Aston Martin mini car! The Cygnet is based on the Toyota iQ and it is expected to go on sale before the end of next year with an estimated base price somewhere around £20,000 or about $30,000 - €25,000. The initial plan is for the Cygnet to be offered only to current and future Aston Martin owners but a general release could follow at a later date.

"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," said Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez.

The British automaker did not disclose any specific details, but from the official teaser shots released by Aston Martin it is evident that the Cygnet will feature a new skin while retaining the basic shape of Toyota's iQ citycar. Expect to see a new interior adorned with Aston Martin-esque details.

"Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future," said Bez. "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."

There's no word on the powertrain options but it is believed that the Cygnet will be us the iQ's 1.33-liter four-cylinder petrol that makes 100HP at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm. It is possible that Aston Martin's engineers will tweak the iQ's suspension and brake system.

"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," Bez noted.

The Toyota iQ donor cars will be built in Japan and then shipped to Aston Martin's Gaydon factory in the UK where they will be transformed into Cygnets.

And you thought GM's badge engineering was ridiculous...

Toyota Releases iQ3 with New 100HP 1.3-liter Engine and Start&Stop System

For the first time since the IQ's launch, Toyota is extending the mini's range with the introduction to the line-up of a new 1.33-litre gasoline engine (previewed in Geneva). Featuring a Dual VVT-i control of both intake and exhaust valves, the four pot produces a maximum output of 100HP at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 125Nm at 4,400rpm, launching the iQ3 from nought to 62mph (100km/h) in 11.8 seconds when equipped with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, and in 11.6 seconds with the optional Multidrive CVT transmission. Top speed is rated at 106mph or 171km/h.

The iQ3 also features Toyota's Stop & Start system that automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a halt and the gear shift is moved to neutral. The Japanese firm claims that with the manual transmission, the iQ3 returns an official 58.9mpg UK (4.8lt/100km or 49mpg US) in combined cycle driving, and 113g/km of CO2 (120g/km with the CVT).

In the UK, the iQ3 is on sale now with prices starting from £11,495 ($18,650 at today's exchange rates) for the six-speed manual version and £12,495 with Multidrive. Standard equipment features include nine airbags, automatic headlights and wipers, climate control, electric folding and heated door mirrors, Smart Entry and Start, auto-dimming rear view mirror and a six-speaker sound system.

We remind you that Toyota's Scion division is planning to release a U.S market variant of the iQ in the States in the very near future. Earlier in April, Scion unveiled a tuner-modified version of the 3+1 seater at the 2009 New York Auto Show.

Aston Martin's Low-iQ Cygnet Caught on the Streets of Düsseldorf

If we had to give a prize for the most ridiculous new car of 2010, it would go hands down to Aston Martin's Cygnet luxury mini. The British firm's pint-size model is nothing more than a Toyota iQ (Scion iQ in North America) decorated with fancy-pansy wraps - something like those silly replicas we show you from time to time with an even sillier price tag.

The Cygnet won't go on sale before early 2011, but apparently, Aston Martin has already began shipping cars in Europe, most likely for use by the firm's dealers, though this particular example may have been used by a company exec. This here left-hand drive example with British license plates was spotted by a forum member of Autogespot on the roads of Düsseldorf, which is the capital city of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. For more photos of the Cygnet, follow the break.