ASTON MARTIN DEVELOPS GLORIFIED SHOPPING TROLLEY

In a joint venture with Toyota, the luxury marque will base its all-new ‘Cygnet’ model on the Japanese car giant’s iQ model.

The new Aston will share the iQ’s three-cylinder petrol engine as well as the nippy runaround’s innovative three-plus-one seating arrangement.

With a Euro NCAP five-star crash safety rating and its low-emission engine, the Cygnet will also help the supercar manufacturer meet increasingly stringent environmental targets.

According to autoexpress.co.uk, the new model will maintain the same attention to detail that you would find in the DBS range, including a leather-clad cabin featuring the very best materials, along with an ECU (Emotion Control Unit) that plugs into the centre console, replacing a traditional key.

However, not everyone in the market for an upmarket supermini will be able to snap up the wannabe supercar; the Cygnet will alas only be made available to existing Aston Martin customers.

The company’s research has found that around 30 percent of Aston owners also drive small cars such as the Mini or the Smart ForTwo – and they are subsequently giving their seemingly cash-rich customer base the opportunity to own their very own ‘luxury commuter’.

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin chief executive, said of the new vehicle: “Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this bold step to embark on this special project – made possible with the support of an organisation of Toyota’s stature and capability and the intelligent design and perfect city car package of the iQ.