Daihatsu Copen
What the Copen's really all about is style, of course, and apart from looking cute, manages to pack a slick, foldaway aluminium power roof (a first in its class) within its tiny length. The roof powers up and down as coolly as any Mercedes SLK's, but top down, the Copen's mini Audi TT-like body does suffer from its fair share of the quakes. On the plus side, equipment levels and specification are outstanding - our press car even had red, leather heated seats - and much of the design detailing is first rate. For a little car, the Copen's even quite practical. You can stow a golf bag in the back and even squeeze in minor shopping with the roof panel parked in the biggish boot, which itself opens and closes electrically. For around-town posing, a dual-mode four-speed auto transmission is offered as well as a five-speed manual; our demo car had the former and the shift, whether in 'manual' or auto mode, was quick, precise and mercifully free from the jerks that often plague these boxes. Not bad at all, in other words.
It's a charmer, the Copen, and obviously a car that Daihatsu's put a lot of effort into as an image builder (and morale booster) for the company back in Osaka. Built in a special part of the factory and effectively hand-finished, the Copen is also way different to the Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappucino, two 660 cc roadsters that surfaced in the early '90s to which it's obviously been compared. How different? Well, the Beat was mid-engined and a typical Honda techno tour- de-force, if a bit basic. The Cappucino revived the old MG Midget rear-drive budget sports car layout, but with a clever roof. The front-drive Copen, on the other hand, with four cylinders to the Honda and Suzuki's (noisy) three, goes its own way. It's more refined, less overtly sporty, and higher on style and image. Also, whisper it, it's a surprisingly entertaining all-round steer.
| Technical Data |
| Body Type |
K-Car Covertible |
Engine Layout |
FF |
| Engine Type |
k3-VE 16V DOHC turbocharged |
| Displacement |
659cc |
Transmission |
5MT / 4 speed auto |
| Performance |
| Power |
63 ps |
Torque |
110 Nm |
| 0-100km/h |
-- |
Fuel Consumption |
-- |
| Suspension (F) |
MacPherson strut type / Ventilated disc |
| Suspension (R) |
Torsion beam / Drum |
| Dimensions |
| Length |
3395mm |
Width |
1475mm |
| Height |
1245mm |
Weight |
840kg |
| Wheelbase |
2230mm |
Turning Radius |
4600mm |
| Features |
| 1.8 XE |
| 2 Airbags |
ABS |
15" Sport rims |
| Remote alarm |
Immobiliser |
|
Information
For general enquiries or to arrange for an appointment please call: 6749 3669
