Hahaha. A one litre Aston Martin:

Dubbed the 'new luxury commuter concept car', and based on the Toyota iQ, the newcomer will lack the performance that Aston Martin customers have come to expect over the firm's 94-year history.

But what it lacks in bare-chested machismo it will make up for with low emissions from its one-litre engine and with its high degree of suitability for urban motoring.

The new car will boast a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating and it is thought it will share the current iQ three-cylinder petrol engine.

As the pictures reveal, the Cygnet will be embellished with a sporty grille, bespoke alloy wheels and a luxury interior as well, of course, as the elegant Aston Martin badge.

The firm has said that it will be sold only to existing Aston Martin customers, who, it is envisaged, will use it as a 'green' run-around while reserving their supercars, such as the DB9 or Vantage, for longer journeys. The firm aims to sell around 4,000 a year.

"sold only to existing Aston Martin customers"? That sure limits the market. Looks a lot like the Smart Car which has gone over well here in California.