Factually, we drove the iQ, but before going into some depth on the subject, my prime objective is to highlight that Aston Martin have turned this small Toyota into an interesting and glamorous ‘town car’.
The Cygnet appears in the Aston Martin register between the ‘One-77’ and the ‘Lagonda Vignale’ and some of the relevant facts should be of interest to all potential buyers of either the iQ or the Cygnet.
The Cygnet concept appeared at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and the first production Cygnet rolled off the line a couple of months ago.
Aston chose to use the 1.3-litre, 97 bhp, four-cylinder engine, which in standard form gets the car to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds with a top speed of 105 mph. Although the car fits into the three-metre band it has four usable seats. However, if all four are used the luggage space is somewhat restricted.
With the five-speed manual gear change the Cygnet will only emit 113 gm of CO2 /km. and cover 65 mpg.
“Production of between 2,000 and 4,000 units per year is expected in Europe,” Aston’s CEO Ulrich Bez, who is credited with dreaming up the project, said.
The donor cars shipped to Aston Martin’s Gaydon plant will be available in virtually any colour and trim combination, and can be fully personalised from a list of optional extras.
The beautifully carpeted and luxuriously finished interior in handbag quality leather and alcantara makes the inside of the Cygnet worthy of the glamorous name change. Larger than usual Aston Martin badges have been set into the bonnet and the rear, while Cygnet symbols are displayed here and there.
Chief Aston designer Miles Nurmberger has replaced the Toyota front end with a great bonnet and Aston grille made from extruded aluminium. There’s a roofline spoiler and beautifully crafted ‘side-skirts’ among many other Aston changes.
Away from the ultimate in the iQ personality, we come down to the actual Toyota we test-drove here in Malta. Let it be made immediately clear for all those who think very small cars are unsafe in a crash. You are wrong.
Small cars are in many ways safer because not only do they have to meet crash test safety standards, but as the cockpit is relatively small it is safer as a passenger compartment, and owners should have absolutely no fears about the Toyota iQ missing any safety features. Hence the Aston Martin Cygnet.
The iQ is only 2,985 mm long, 1,680 mm wide with 1,500 mm height. It handles in very much the same way as the original Mini.
The steering is razor sharp and with a very small turning circle, the iQ responds superbly to slight wrist movements. As it seems to park on a six pence, it is easy to park in strange urban areas. And with only two people on board and the rear seats folded down, shopaholics should find enough space for a very large number of shopping bags.
The suspension is firm enough for a comfortable ride overall. Even on the worst roads and without the sports pack and lowered suspension, this car is immense fun to throw around in almost the same way as the old Mini. The brakes are great and hands-off braking from 80km/h on smooth surfaces was totally unadventurous.
The front occupants are well catered for and the standard car, with its three cylinder 1.0-litre engine, has 68 bhp, gets to 100 km/h in 13.2 seconds, peaks at about 150 km/h, and averages over 64 mpg.
For the really adventurous (if you don’t buy a Cygnet) there is a sports pack and lowered suspension among a host of options. The basic car that we had, however, has ABS, BA (brake assist), EBD (electronic brake distribution), VSC (vehicle stability control), 10 airbags, great seat belts and 15-inch high gloss alloy wheels as standard. The iQ2 has chrome wing mirrors, 16-inch alloys and start/stop technology.
We also found great height and tilt adjustable power steering, power door lock, electric windows, and an annoying seat belt warning system.
We liked the air-conditioning, leather covered steering wheel and gearshift lever, as well as the multi-information display and all the other key features.
This car really suits Malta and it is fast and comfortable enough for two people to do extended touring anywhere up to the northern reaches of the continent.
At a glance
0-100km/h
13.2 seconds
Economy
Average of 64.2 mpg
C02
99g/km
Engine
Three cylinder, 1.0 litre
Power
Power 68 bhp
Price
iQ €13,500
Verdict
Comfort
With two people on board it is magnificent, except for on the foulest surfaces
Performance
With the 1.3, four cylinder engine it is an easy four-star car
Cool
Unbeatable
Quality
It has to be seen in its class