Aston Martin, the maker of sports cars favored by Prince Charles and driven by James Bond, is departing from tradition with a city car based on Toyota Motor's Corp. iQ subcompact to broaden its appeal and boost revenue.
The Cygnet's hand-stitched leather interiors and Aston Martin badge on the grill will persuade customers to pay 30,995 ($50,500) for the model, the Gaydon, England-based company says. That's more than double the price of Toyota's iQ, which provides the engine, transmission and frame.
"This car is a luxury city car," chief designer Marek Reichman said in an interview. "Prior to Cygnet your choice was, you open the door and it smells of plastic; now you open the door, and you'll be hit by this wonderful smell of leather."
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