Christmas Comes Early For First Daihatsu Copen Customers
Published: 7th December 2003
Twin front airbags are also standard as are dual side-impact door beams and extensive underfloor bracing. The floor panel itself benefits from three different steel thicknesses for progressive, energy-absorbing deformation.In fact, not only are the sills reinforced but also the front side-members and front sub-frame. For enhanced body rigidity, a cross-member is fitted linking the right and left centre pillars, behind the front seats. In addition, twin roll-over bars are mounted on top of the cross-member for occupant head-protection in event of a roll-over accident.
The braking system features servo-assisted front ventilated disc brakes measuring a generous 246 mm with 180 mm rear drums. Anti-lock is also standard as is Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) which further avoids the locking-up of individual wheels during severe braking.
Finally, Daihatsu’s much-admired impact-sensing system acts as an emergency-alert device by automatically unlocking the doors following an accident, activating the hazard flashers and cutting off the fuel supply.
General Background
The Copen was first displayed as a concept car at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show. It appeared again in 2001 and finally went on sale in Japan in spring 2002 virtually unchanged in appearance from the original car. Since then, the Copen has developed an enthusiastic cult following with long waiting lists.
The steel monocoque bodyshell features an aluminium roof panel with lightweight mechanism and the entire car is effectively hand-finished in a special section of Daihatsu’s Osaka factory.
Reassuring Warranty
Like all Daihatsus, the new Copen is provided with a three year unlimited mileage warranty plus three year roadside assistance and six years’ anti-perforation cover. Main service intervals are 6,000 miles with a 3,000 mile interim oil change.
Generous Specification
The UK-market Copen – which costs £12,995 on-the-road – boasts an especially high specification with the only major option being a £500 leather pack comprising heated leather seats, leather door trim and leather Momo steering wheel. Metallic paint is a £295 option.
Key standard features include:
- Electrically-operated metal folding roof
- Power steering
- Twin airbags
- Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
- 165/50 R15 tyres on 6-spoke polished alloy wheels
- Keyless entry central-locking
- Air-conditioning
- Electric windows and door mirrors
- Heated glass rear window
- Front fog lamps
- Twin exhaust pipes
- Radio/CD player
