Video: Bloomberg’s Adam Haynes on the Aston Martin Cygnet

You can’t spell, “Cygnet” without, “cynical marketing ploy”. The Toyota iQ-derived stocking stuffer iPhone accessory subcompact has prompted a neat little op-ed piece by Bloomberg correspondent (an ex-pat Aussie) Adam Haynes that includes some fascinating dialogue from Aston Martin insiders.

Most of our readers will know by now that the Cygnet exists purely to counteract the 120 grams of CO2 per kilogram EU carbon restrictions to be introduced in 2012. With a combined CO2 g/km rating of 400, Aston Martin’s current fleet of high performance vehicles could never match this.

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Aston Martin's Low-iQ Cygnet Caught on the Streets of Düsseldorf

If we had to give a prize for the most ridiculous new car of 2010, it would go hands down to Aston Martin's Cygnet luxury mini. The British firm's pint-size model is nothing more than a Toyota iQ (Scion iQ in North America) decorated with fancy-pansy wraps - something like those silly replicas we show you from time to time with an even sillier price tag.

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Aston Martin Cygnet makes its global debut... in Harrods window

Ah, Harrods. Not only is it the swankiest and largest department store in the world, but starting from today and running through December 11, it will also be home to Aston Martin's new luxury city car, the Cygnet. The British firm's polished up Toyota iQ is making its global debut at the renowned shopping center in London occupying a prominent position in the store's Brompton Road window display.

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VIDEO: Aston Martin Execs Try to Convince Everyone the Cygnet is not a Toyota...

Now that the Aston Martin Cygnet has officially received the green light (previous post here), the brand of James Bond has put together again CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez and design director Marek Reichman for the Cygnet PR video below.

The 4-passenger Cygnet, based on Toyota's iQ city car, is meant to provide Aston Martin owners something more practical for daily use within cities and still offer said owners the level of exclusivity they desire. That means it can be ordered with all the same interior and exterior colors, leathers, and materials found on any other Aston.

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Toyota iQ Disco Concept to Glamour Rock German Showrooms

Say 'hallo' to Toyota's bling-bling shiny iQ Disco, a concept model that was created by the firm's German division purely for demonstration purposes as the oversized Japanese disco ball on wheels will tour dealerships all over the country, starting from showrooms in Cologne.

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2011 Toyota iQ with Euro5 Engines Available for Order in the UK

Starting from today, Toyota UK is accepting orders for its modestly updated iQ mini, which will make its debut at this week's Paris Motor Show. Priced from £10,158 on the road, the 2011 model year iQ benefits from some barely noticeable changes inside and an engine lineup that has been revised to meet Euro 5 emissions standards.

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Paris Preshow: 2011 Toyota iQ and Aygo get upgraded interiors

Joining the new Verso-S small MPV at Toyota's 2010 Paris Motor Show stand, will be the 2011 model year versions of the iQ and Aygo city cars, both of which benefit from some minor interior revisions.

For the 2011 iQ, which will be sold in the States under the Scion brand, Toyota is increasing the level of perceived quality with the use of higher-grade, soft-touch plastics on the dashboard and the door panels, the introduction of new color schemes and upgraded trim options.

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