The idea of a small "personal jet" is far from new. Perhaps the first was the French SIPA S.200 Minijet, which flew in 1952 and was designed for training and other general aviation uses. It was - is, as two are still flying - powered by one of the first small jet engines, the 350lb-thrust Turbomeca Palas.
But Cirrus's the-jet reminds me the Miles M.100 Student, which flew in 1957 and was offered to the Royal Air Force as a trainer, losing to the Jet Provost. It was powered by another of Turbomeca's small turbojets, the 900lb-thrust Marbore.
Thanks to Ron Dupas of 1000aircraftphotos.com for permission to use this picture.
Miles Student (Walter Van Tilborg Collection via 1000aircraftphotos.com)