Christmas Comes Early For First Daihatsu Copen Customers

Meanwhile, thanks to its light 823 kg weight, raised gearing and highly efficient four-cylinder, twin-overhead camshaft engine, the Copen gives impressive fuel economy and low emissions.

For example, Urban/Extra Urban and Combined returns are 35.8/50.4 and 44.1 mpg compared to the Ford’s 26.6/44.1 and 35.8 mpg.

The Copen’s CO2 figure is 151 g/km against the StreetKa’s 189 g/km – meaning a company car tax liability of 16 per cent versus 23 per cent for 2004-2005.

However, many buyers will be more enchanted by the Copen’s cute looks. For others, its cool exclusivity will clinch it as annual sales are expected to be under 1,500 units. Enthusiasts, meanwhile, will be seduced by the Copen’s agile, involving handling and perky performance.

Initially intended for domestic production only, the diminutive Daihatsu was first seen in the UK at the 2002 Birmingham International Motor Show. It proved such a crowd-puller that 1,500 potential customers expressed an interest. This enthusiasm persuaded Daihatsu in Japan to investigate its export potential.

Largely thanks to the perseverance of Daihatsu’s UK management, the Copen is now being exported in right-hand drive form only to such diverse markets as Australia and Germany.

Disarming Looks With A Charming Party-Piece

The Copen’s disarming, cute looks perfectly express its fun image, with a rounded, teardrop design, minimum overhangs and oval front and rear lamps.

Its cockpit is especially inviting and intimate without being cramped. In fact, despite qualifying as an official Japanese mini-car (K-Car), the Copen has ample interior width and space for those exceeding six feet in height.

The Copen’s major ‘party-piece’, of course, is an electrically-operated folding hard-top – very similar to that on a Mercedes SLK – offering excellent security and weather protection.

Our Daihatsu Copen Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Copen range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.

Price : £11,495
Body Style:
Fuel:
Model in the range: 1
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008

Daihatsu Copen Content

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