The design and launch of a new car, and the concept behind it, is often not black and white – but the message from Aston Martin was clear when they launched its new city car the Cygnet, in the centre of London at the Meza Bar and Grill restaurant in Wardour Street.

The world had been waiting for a luxurious city car and this was it.  The four seater Cygnet was launched in two initial colours – black  and white and both sported Aston Martin bonnet and boot badges bigger than those on the rest of vehicles in the Aston Martin stable.

It is a big small car that is going to appeal to City dwellers around the globe who are looking for a luxurious alternative to what is currently available. It’s a completely new departure from Aston Martin but allows it to get their overall emissions figures down while at the same time entering a new marketplace.

Unveiling the two new vehicles, Dr. Ulrich Bez Aston Martin’s, CEO said: 'This is what the world has been waiting for. People do not want to drive 500hp and 600hp cars through the centre of large cities, but they still want luxury. The Cygnet is going to sell in places like London, Paris, Rome and Berlin.'

Asked why Aston had built the Cygnet he told Octane: 'The World was waiting for a luxurious City car and this is it.'

Cygnet is on sale now through Aston Martin’s main dealership network, and it is hoped that up to 1500 will be sold each year. If you want one it’s going to cost you between £30,000 and £40,000 depending on your chosen specification.