Aston isn’t going for its usual kind of vehicle here, and that’s evident by the rumor that the Cygnet will keep the IQ’s 67 hp three-cylinder engine. Instead the Cygnet is aimed at the current Aston customer who wants to be a little more environmentally conscious during a quick trip to the shops. It’s focus is on offering Aston’s luxury and brand image to a more responsible vehicle.

Aston Martin has not made any firm commitment to production, but it does say that it hopes to have the Cygnet in the hands of its European customers in 2010. Then it will sort of be like having an Aston Martin for the city and one for the country (V12 Vantage, please.)

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The sales of the Cygnet will be interesting to watch when/if it goes on sale in Europe. This will be the first City Car to ware a luxury badge (Smart doesn’t wear a Mercedes badge, and the Isetta was built before BMW was considered a luxury icon.)

Large European cities may embrace the Cygnet. In a place like London where having any car is a great luxury, and parking is near impossible at any price, the Cygnet may become a trendy symbol of wealth.