Aston’s iQ to cost £31k

Yes, you read it right: £31k for a pumped-up Toyota iQ.

You will probably be familiar with the Aston Martin Cygnet. It is based on the iQ and, says AM, is a ‘bespoke luxury commuter car'.

To mark the official launch of the Aston iQ - sorry, ‘Cygnet' - Aston has announced two limited editions: White and Black.

See more pics of the Aston Cygnet launch editions

The Cygnet White gets, obviously, a white paintjob with silver mesh, chrome brightwork, white diamond-turned alloys, together with hand-trimmed pearl white leather seats, satin chrome and the iconic Aston ‘wings' in matching white.

The Cygnet Black gets ‘Magic Black' paintwork with deep sea green effect, matt black louvers, chrome brightwork, full grain black leather interior with a diamond pattern, dark chrome accents and black wing badges.

For your rather significant outlay, you also get a bespoke Bill Amberg five-piece luggage set especially fitted for the Cygnet.

So they've handily trimmed the interior to make it not-a-Toyota, but those hoping for something more V8-shaped under the bonnet will be disappointed. The Cygnet gets the 97bhp 1.33 VVTI petrol engine, capable of 0-62mph in 11.6 seconds (with MultriDrive) and a heady top speed of 106mph.

Still, the Cygnet does have two very important existential reasons. One, it emits just 116g/km of CO2 with the six-speed manual box, meaning if they shift enough of them - now available to the great unwashed and not just to Aston owners - the company's fleet emissions will be significantly reduced.

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Secondly, it will sell. Lots of sales makes Aston lots of money, and Aston with lots of money means more V12-powered righteousness.

So there you have it. £30,995 for a bespoke Toyota iQ, or £30,995 for an Aston Martin. Could you?