Aston Martin has confirmed that its controversial new Cygnet will go into production in 2011 – the first time the company has entered the ‘city car’ market. But fans of the marque are already decrying the decision, suggesting that the Cygnet’s Toyota roots are a step too far for Britain’s most famous supercar manufacturer.

The Cygnet will be created from specially imported versions of the Toyota iQ, which will then be fitted with a new Aston-designed front end and grille, plus a luxurious new bespoke interior. Mechanically, however, the miniature Aston is expected to remain largely unmodified – including its 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Prices are expected to range from £30k to £50k depending on individual specification.

According to the company, the Cygnet is ‘a product of Aston Martin’s unrivalled experience in craft, technology and design’, despite being little more than an upgraded Toyota, and is ‘designed to support our sports cars by providing a greater degree of freedom in the urban context’. More crucially, however, the launch of the Cygnet will help to drive down the average CO2 emissions ratings of the entire Aston Martin line-up – essential if the company is to comply with forthcoming EU legislation.