Aston Martin Cygnet makes its global debut... in Harrods window

Ah, Harrods. Not only is it the swankiest and largest department store in the world, but starting from today and running through December 11, it will also be home to Aston Martin's new luxury city car, the Cygnet. The British firm's polished up Toyota iQ is making its global debut at the renowned shopping center in London occupying a prominent position in the store's Brompton Road window display.

The British automaker has not yet released technical specifications on the Cygnet, but it is believed that the three-meter long (117.5-in.) mini will keep the iQs 1.33-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 98-horsepower, hooked up to a 6-speed manual or an optional CVT.

The controversial mini with the Aston Martin badge will be assembled at the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire with regular production and sales to start in early 2011. However, the company statedthat the order books for the Cygnet have already opened, with existing Aston Martin owners believed to be given a priority at launch.

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2011 Toyota iQ with Euro5 Engines Available for Order in the UK

Starting from today, Toyota UK is accepting orders for its modestly updated iQ mini, which will make its debut at this week's Paris Motor Show. Priced from £10,158 on the road, the 2011 model year iQ benefits from some barely noticeable changes inside and an engine lineup that has been revised to meet Euro 5 emissions standards.

Along with the introduction of a new gray interior with contrasting black upper trims on the doors and toning fabric upholstery or optionally with Kuru black leather upholstery, the iQ's cabin also gets new soft-touch materials on the dashboard and the door panels.

Other updates include the "manta ray" motif panels on the door and center console that adopt a new black finish and a new scarlet surround on the center console.

For 2011, the 1.0-liter VVT-i and 1.33-liter Dual VVT-i petrol engines have been revised to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, with Toyota claiming the changes had no impact on performance or fuel efficiency. As such, the 1.0-litre (manual) model delivers 99g/km and 64.2mpg UK on the combined cycle and the 1.33-liter (manual) with Stop & Start returns 113g/km and 57.6mpg UK.