A few years ago the regulatory commissions for car companiesdecided that all companies must meet an emissions standard across their entirerange. This means more than just making cars that use efficient oxygen sensorsand engine control module units, this means econo-box cars from all builders.This regulation is not a big deal for companies like Porsche and Lamborghinisince they are owned by VW. The issue really falls on companies like Pagani andAston Martin, companies who only make fire breathing supercars. The solution isto sully the name of the company by creating something completely out of character.In the case of Aston Martin they have created the Cygnet, this is basically aToyota iQ with a fancy dress. Now I don’t know about you but to me there shouldnever be an economy Aston Martin.
The Cygnet is a $18K Toyota that has been dressed up andlooks to hit the US market at more than $40K, is it worth it? Well the Cygnetdoes get quite the rework when Aston Martin get their hands on it. The engineis beefed up…slightly but is still a hyper mileage 4 banger. The exterior getssome new body panels and a coat of paint that would make a show car jealous.The interior is reworked with DB9 level leather and wood. Impressively handcrafter interior pieces and exterior trim work together to create an amazingtransformation into an Aston Martin.
The question we have to ask is…has it worked? Is thisvehicle an Aston? In a word, no…even though hours and hours of hand crafting havegone into this car it is no Aston. Look at it this way, you are out to dinnerwith a date and she asks what you drive. Proudly announcing “I have an AstonMartin” but after dinner walking out to the parking lot may be an embarrassingevent. In the end an Aston Martin is allabout insane style and the Cygnet just does not fit the bill…the $45K bill.
