Christmas Comes Early For First Daihatsu Copen Customers
Published: 7th December 2003
Agile Chassis – Conceived As A Sports Car
Anyone expecting the Copen to be a shallow style-statement will be in for a surprise. The power-steering is especially direct and informative and the handling taut and agile.
Firmly damped with minimum body-roll and a low centre-of-gravity, the Copen also has a particularly low polar-moment-of-inertia. This means most of the weight is between the front and rear wheels, avoiding the pendulum-effect of large overhangs.
The result is that the car tracks especially straight at speed yet can be minutely adjusted by throttle and steering inputs – just like a prestige sports car.
Front suspension is by MacPherson struts with high caster angles for stable straight-line running and a firm, informative feel through the steering wheel. This is further helped by the use of radial ball-bearings in the suspension supports which reduces friction and gives clearer messages. Gas/oil shock-absorbers are also fitted for consistent damping – even under severe conditions.
The rear features a conventional torsion beam and coil springs with separate monotube gas/oil shock absorbers. Anti-roll bars are fitted front and rear and there is substantial cross-bracing reinforcement under the floorpan for extra structural rigidity.
Changes compared to the prototype cars offered to the UK press for evaluation include a slightly softer-riding suspension which does without the optional ‘Sports Pack’. This comprised a rear performance brace and uprated front and rear suspension with additional ‘piggy-back’ gas-charged shock absorbers.
The Copen has a conventional hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system as opposed to the growing trend towards electric power-assistance. The benefits are greater feel and sensitivity which is more in keeping with a sports car.
High Safety Levels
Safety is given high priority in the Copen which - despite its small size - has all the latest life-saving and injury-reducing initiatives.
For example, both front seats have seat-belt pretensioners and force limiters. These are designed to provide just the right amount of restraint for the level of retardation. Auto-locking restraints (ALR) are also fitted which keep the belt in its most effective position.
Daihatsu Copen
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
We have road tested the Daihatsu Copen, to read our in-depth car review:
Daihatsu Copen Review - Aug 2008
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 27th Oct 2008
