Is Aston Martin Cygnet a Toyota iQ?
The Aston Martin Cygnet is a unique and somewhat controversial vehicle in the world of luxury cars. At first glance, it may seem like a departure from Aston Martin's usual lineup of high-performance sports cars. But is it really just a rebadged Toyota iQ? Let’s dive into the details to uncover the truth behind this compact city car.
The Origins of the Aston Martin Cygnet
The Aston Martin Cygnet was introduced in 2011 as a response to tightening European emissions regulations. Aston Martin needed a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle to lower its fleet-wide emissions average. Instead of designing a compact car from scratch, the company partnered with Toyota to use the Toyota iQ as the foundation for the Cygnet.
What Makes the Cygnet Different from the Toyota iQ?
While the Aston Martin Cygnet shares its platform and mechanical components with the Toyota iQ, it is far from being a simple rebadge. Aston Martin made significant changes to the car to align it with the brand's luxury image. Here are some of the key differences:
- Exterior Design: The Cygnet features Aston Martin's signature grille, redesigned bumpers, and other styling cues that give it a more premium and distinctive look compared to the Toyota iQ.
- Interior Upgrades: The interior of the Cygnet is where Aston Martin truly set it apart. It boasts hand-stitched leather upholstery, high-quality materials, and bespoke customization options that are a hallmark of the brand.
- Branding: The Cygnet carries the prestigious Aston Martin badge, which alone adds a significant level of exclusivity and appeal.
Shared DNA: The Toyota iQ Connection
Despite the luxury upgrades, the Aston Martin Cygnet retains the Toyota iQ's compact dimensions and mechanical underpinnings. This includes the same engine options, such as the 1.33-liter inline-four engine, and the efficient front-wheel-drive layout. These shared components make the Cygnet a practical city car, but they also highlight its origins as a Toyota iQ.
Conclusion: A Unique Collaboration
In essence, the Aston Martin Cygnet is both a Toyota iQ and something more. It is a fascinating example of how a luxury automaker can transform a humble city car into a bespoke, high-end product. While it may not have the performance pedigree of Aston Martin's sports cars, the Cygnet remains a unique chapter in the brand's history, blending practicality with luxury in a way that few other vehicles have attempted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Scion really a Toyota?
Some Scion models gained mainstream appeal, but the brand was discontinued and absorbed back into Toyota in 2016. The Scion iM was rebranded as the rebadged Toyota Corolla iM, and evolved into the Corolla Hatchback. The Mazda-built iA subcompact sedan was rebadged as the Toyota Yaris, and discontinued in 2020.
What is the other name for Toyota IQ?
Scion iQ
| Toyota iQ | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Scion iQ (US and Canada) Aston Martin Cygnet (Europe) Singulato iC3 (China) |
| Production | 2008–2015 2011–2013 (Aston Martin Cygnet) |
| Model years | 2009-2015 (EU), 2012–2015 (US), 2008-2016 (JDM) |
| Assembly | Japan: Toyota, Aichi (Takaoka plant) |
Is Toyota iQ bigger than smart?
Results: Toyota iQ vs Smart ForTwo
That sums up the iQ. It's pricier and larger than its rival, but has much broader talents. If size is everything, the Smart is the ultimate choice – but it demands compromises. Motorway refinement is non-existent, you get only two seats and the semi-automatic gearbox is atrocious.
Why did Toyota discontinue the iQ?
Toyota stated that the extremely high Yen/£/Euro exchange rate has hampered sales growth, reducing orders and that upcoming EU regulations would require significant alterations increasing costs further. They also discontinued the Dyna commercial vehicle for the same reasons.
What happened to the Toyota iQ?
Yen-quid exchange rates, upcoming emissions regs and a need to make room for the gen-two Aygo killed off European iQs in late 2015, by which point annual sales had dropped to under a thousand from an earlier peak of over 44,000.
Which is Toyota's smallest car?
The Aygo: Toyota's smallest car
The latest Toyota Aygo version has an “X” at the end of its name, and is pronounced 'Toyota Aygo Cross', just like its sister model – the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Do Scions use Toyota parts?
It's freedom to take to the road knowing that your Scion will receive proper care by trained technicians using Genuine Toyota Parts, and that you'll receive roadside assistance should you need it during the coverage1period.
What replaced the Toyota iQ?
Due to relatively small sales, Toyota discontinued the IQ in 2014, with no direct replacement ever following, though the Japanese firm does sell the Aygo in the city car segment.
Is the Scion iQ made by Toyota?
The UCI Advanced Power and Energy Program (APEP) is home to 30 Scion iQ electric vehicles provided by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Toyota only produced 100 of these cars globally, 90 of which have been deployed in the United States. The iQ EV is designed as a “city car”-- ideal for around-town commuting.
Why did Toyota shut down Scion?
On February 3, 2016, Toyota announced that the Scion brand would be phased out in August after the 2016 model year, stating that the company no longer required a specific marque to target younger demographics.
