Daihatsu Copen Road Test

Daihatsu Copen

Of course the roof has to go somewhere and the diminutive Daihatsu Copen is not blessed with a big boot. When the roof is up the luggage capacity is 210-litres and when the roof is packed away this is reduced to just 14-litres, which can be found under the soft partition and in a shallow compartment near the boot lip. Inside, there is a narrow space behind the seats, which would accommodate a handbag or jacket and the small net pockets between the seats and on the door panels are suitable for documents only. All of this makes the Copen hugely impractical but that really doesn’t matter once it’s moving.

The short overhangs and wheel-in-every-corner layout make the car stable on bends and the occupants sit midway between the axles, which aids the balance. However, it is the responsiveness of the Copen that is the main appeal - think motorcycle with four wheels or kart and you’ll get some idea. The revised gearing together with very precise steering and almost switch-like accelerator offer the best driving experience, I’ve had in a while.

The brakes, with ABS and EBD, offer good stopping power without being harsh and the suspension is firm but not uncomfortable. That said, the minimal ground clearance means that speed bumps are best avoided and drain-dodging, in the same way that motorcyclists do, becomes a game, adding to the fun.

The little Copen holds its own on major roads and motorways and is capable of raising a few eyebrows along the way. While, on country lanes, the lack of ESP and traction control enhances the almost raw and entertaining dynamics and agility.

Despite the anti-roll bars front and rear and the substantial cross-bracing there is a fair amount of so-called, 'scuttle-shake'. This is reduced when there are two people on board or the roof is raised but is replaced by miscellaneous rattles, which have more to do with the lightness of the car rather than build quality.

Someone commented that the Daihatsu Copen looked a little flimsy but it isn’t lacking when it comes to safety. There are two side-impact bars in the doors; large rollover hoops behind the headrests, the sills are reinforced as is the sub frame with three different thicknesses of steel for energy absorption. While the twin front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners help in the event of an impact.

When it comes down to it, logic tells you that the Daihatsu Copen is small and impractical and it could easily be overlooked on these grounds. But I would urge that a test drive is organised before it is dismissed and I can almost guarantee that this little plaything will impress.

Daihatsu Copen