2012 Aston Martin Cygnet vs 2011 Scion iQ December 19, 2009 AUTORIVALS.NET

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What in the hell is going on in the automotive world? Has the whole world gone mad? This is Aston Martin's new creation? The Frankenstein Cygnet? It's based on the Scion iQ micro-subcompact hatchback which itself is no beauty contestant. A tiny hatchback might make sense for Scion who's known for creating unusual vehicles (like the xB and xD) but is ludicrous for a world-class sports car maker who makes beautiful creations like the V8 Vantage. Is this what the automotive world has come to? If the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide weren't bad enough (they're not bad actually but they still defy tradition), Aston Martin's next step is an abomination. If this is the future for exotic sports car makers, God help us all. 2012 Aston Martin Cygnet vs 2011 Scion iQ 2009 Aston Martin Cygnet Concept shown 2009 Scion iQ Concept shown The iQ's shape is plainly obvious in the Cygnet but with a new front fascia and body panels. The Cygnet takes design cues from other Aston Martins like the grille, hood vents, and side vents but that's where similarities come to a screeching halt. The headlights and grille are too big to match the tiny car and actually manages to look worse than the iQ. The Cygnet looks more like a hobbyist's creation than an Aston Martin. The B-pillar is a dead giveaway for the Cygnet and iQ's relationship with the same shape and curves. The hatchback door is also nearly identical but the Cygnet has revised tail lights and a new rear bumper. The tail lights are a similar sideways U-shape like the V8 Vantage but doesn't look nearly as good.

SPECIFICATIONS (Estimated) PRICE: $30,000 ENGINE: 1.3L I4 HORSEPOWER: 98 hp TORQUE: 91 lb-ft SIZE (L x W x H): 120.0 x 67.0 x 59.0 in. WEIGHT: 2200 lbs FUEL (CITY/HWY): Unknown SPECIFICATIONS (Concept Specifications) PRICE: Unknown ENGINE: 1.3L I4 HORSEPOWER: 93 hp TORQUE: 89 lb-ft SIZE (L x W x H): 126.9 x 71.4-79.3 x 56.9-62.5 in. WEIGHT: 2000 lbs (est) FUEL (CITY/HWY): Unknown RECAP RECAP PROS +Still looks better than a smart fortwo +Design cues from other Aston Martins CONS -Messes up design cues from other Aston Martins PROS +Once the exterior gets toned down, it might actually look okay +Looks better than a smart fortwo CONS -The aftermarket body kit-style needs to be toned down before it hits production

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NOTES According to Dictionary.com, cygnet means a young swan. Is that what Aston Martin is hoping? For its ugly duckling to become a beautiful swan? Sounds like a fairy tale. I'm just waiting for Aston Martin to come out and tell us they're playing a practical joke with the Cygnet but something tells me there's nothing funny about this situation at all. Is anyone willing to shell out 30 grand for the Cygnet? Doubtful (not in the U.S. anyways). So why does the Cygnet even exist? The only logical situation I can think of is with the new CAFE standard of 35.5 mpg which goes into effect in 2016, Aston Martin is finding a why to keep their supercars super without resorting to hybrids. If that is the reason why, is it really worth it to defile your good name with a Frankenstein creation rather than going green? Or maybe the world really has gone crazy.