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Aston Cygnet dives into new market

If anyone had told a car enthusiast 10 years ago that supercar maker Aston Martin would be selling a tiny hatchback they'd have laughed. Sadly, like many premium brands, Aston Martin has felt the pinch of the recession and opted to downsize its models with launch of its Cygnet city car.

The new luxury city car, based on the Toyota iQ concept, sports all the elements of a typical Aston - including a serious price tag... the equivalent of R612 000 in the right-hand drive Hong Kong market.

TWO LIMITED MODELS

The cars were launched in Europe earlier in 2011 but are now entering China and Japan as a compact city car designed to be a daily runabout for green-friendly buyers who apparently have access to a trust fund.

The model is currently offered in two distinctive and limited (50 models) launch editions - Black and White.

As to be expected from the British automaker, the Cygnet is clearly recognisable as an Aston Martin with the brand's design language and craftsmanship evident throughout. The marque’s signature details such as the metal grille, elongated sides and inverted rear lights give it an assertive stance.

Aston Martin Cygnet

RACE COLLECTION: If you're not sold on the launch edition White or Black specifications, the Cygent is also available in six "Race Collection" paint schemes.


The city car Cygnet has ABS, nine airbags, stability control, electronic brake assist and retractable door mirrors. Inside you'll be treated a luxury interior featuring keyless entry, heated seats, and a high level of trim all packed into a vehicle that is three metres long.

The White variant is finished in a Snow White paint job with a mix of silver mesh, chrome highlights and alloy wheels. The interior of the White edition features seats hand trimmed in Pearl white leather with perforated Alcantara inserts, complemented by satin chrome. Even the marque iconic wings badge has been finished in white.

In contrast, the Black edition features a metallic black paintjob with a specially developed deep sea green effect, offset by matt black louvers and chrome highlights. Inside, the seats and dash are finished in pure black full grain leather, perforated in a specially-developed diamond pattern. Satin chrome accents adorn the cabin, while the badges are rendered in black throughout.

The models laucnhed in Hong Hong and Japan, feature a Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set comprising of a glove box bag, removable door pocket bag, holdall, garment bag and a collapsible tote bag.

No word yet as to whether the new model will be arriving in South Africa...
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