Aston Martin Cygnet in Gulf Livery
Fear not, those of you who thought the Cygnet marked the end of Aston Martin as a maker of high performance automobiles. The British luxury sportscar and GT maker is showing that even the little Cygnet can uphold the racy reputation of the firm.

Perusing the automaker’s website you’re likely to come across the little urban commuter pictured in a number of scenarios that don’t exactly scream “urban commuter.” The above Gulf liveried model with an equally Gulf-clad Stig-lookalike is but one example. It’s also a good bit of fun.

Note, too, that the Cygnet can be customized with two other racing-inspired paint schemes, which feature  classic Aston Martin Racing Green, along with the Cygnet painted up in iconic Gulf livery. Feel free to check it out for yourself at AstonMartin.com.

What is going on over in Gaydon these days? It seems Aston Martin was synonymous with grand touring not too long ago, with some of the most beautiful luxury sportscars and GT rides around. Nowadays you’re just as likely to find an SUV, four-door or tiny urban car on their show stand. The Rapide four-door is undoubtedly gorgeous, and will no doubt perform spectacularly, but what are they thinking when they show something like the Lagonda crossover concept? Neither beautiful, nor sporty, it was quickly panned by those who saw it, criticized for being way too big and ungainly. Perhaps overreacting to those critics, Aston Martin is now going the other way and showing something that seems to be way too small to wear the famous DB wings.

The little commuter car they have dubbed the Cygnet, is based on the Toyota iQ, and is intended as a sort of land-bound-dinghy for A-M owners who need something a bit more manageable in the city. As odd as it may sound the idea has some merit, especially when you consider how well the premium Mini Cooper sells. Those who have seen the Cygnet in person at this month’s Geneva Motor Show have said that the fit and finish on the Cygnet look suitably Aston. It takes many of the Aston Martin styling cues and shrinks them down to a pocket-rocket-sized mini-me. It might have the looks, but it certainly won’t have the moves of the bigger Aston Martin models.