In other markets, it is known as a Toyota – or, an Aston Martin. We’ve been hearing a whole lot about the iQ lately, but in its Aston Martin form. And no that isn’t an April fools joke – we promise. Although a few years ago it definitely would have qualified as one. Lets take a look at the iQ.

In transitioning to our market, the iQ doesn’t get a whole lot of changes – and that isn’t a bad thing. The minicar is only 120.1-inches long (just over 10 feet), with a width of 66.1-inches.

Perhaps the craziest thing about the car is what Scion calls the “3+1″ seating arrangement. The front seats are slightly offset to allow for “one adult behind the front passenger and a child, small package, or pet behind the driver.” Wow, we have to see that in person!

The iQ is equipped with a litany of airbags - 10 SRS airbags in all, including the world’s first rear-window curtain airbag. Other airbags include driver- and front-passenger airbags; driver- and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags; side curtain airbags; driver- and front-passenger knee airbags; and a Scion-first driver seat-cushion airbag.

The engine is a 1.3-liter, four-cylinder that makes over 90 horsepower and is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The iQ is slated to go on sale in early 2011, so we’ve got a little while to go before we see it on our streets.

One more actual image of the car has came out, and AutoExpress has had some renderings done that give us a better idea of what to expect stylistically. There also have been some comments made by Aston Martin’s CEO Dr Ulrich Bez.

For one thing, we now know that the car’s underlying Toyota mechanicals will not change. 1.0-litre Aston Martin-badged minicar – did you ever think you’d see that day? Here are the comments made by the CEO:

“Until now, small cars offered a message that people are buying something cheap,” he said. “The Cygnet will show that small cars can also make a statement. It will be an intelligent purchase for people concerned about the environment, but who also want to enjoy all the luxury associated with a premium brand such as Aston Martin.”

One thing is amazing though; how well the Aston Martin design language works on a minicar. Crazy! What I think would have been neat (but totally impractical for a host of reasons) would be a truly miniature Aston Martin, with similar proportions, etc. Regardless, it seems as if the Cygnet is coming whether you like it or not. For more information you can check out AutoExpress’ interview with Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez.

While some would immediately be against the idea, I actually think it could be good one if done right.

First of all, the picture looks good, the Aston Martin design cues work well on the car. However, it has to be well differentiated both inside and out (and furthermore, they look like the iQ’s headlights to me). Word has it Aston will just be redoing the leather and trimming in the car’s interior without a complete redesign. To me, I think it would be better if they could change everything possible.

Aston Martin is saying the car will be made available to existing customers, but doesn’t offer any more information about that. Some are saying that exclusivity will only last for a certain period before the car is made available to the general public.

I think it would be making a mistake to make it available to the general public and certainly under any circumstances not at the $33,000 price point speculated about. $33,000 for a Aston Martin? No way. Aston Martin ownership should be the domain of the well-off if they want to protect their brand image.

Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez says “Much work is still required, but I am confident that this project could become reality in the not too distant future. This concept – akin to an exclusive tender to a luxury yacht – will allow us to apply Aston Martin design language, craftsmanship and brand values to a completely new segment of the market.”

Yes but it only works as the equivalent to an “exclusive tender” to a yacht if it is made available to existing customers only.

This project could be more to do with Aston Martin having to meet certain mileage standards than anything. It seems like a whole lot of speculation is being bandied about that may or may not be true. Some are saying (like it’s confirmed) that the car will be going into production next year for a price of $33,000. Far as I know, Aston Martin is still calling it a concept (maybe to gauge reaction) and there was no specifics in any of the press releases about the car.

Anyhow, we should wait and see how this all plays out. If I was Aston Martin though, I would tread very carefully with the way I went I about this.