The good news follows successful engineering tests which confirm the car can be modified to pass European Whole Vehicle Type Approval regulations. Target price is between £12,000 and £14,000 depending on the final specification. Production begins in September.
Initially intended for Japan only, the Daihatsu Copen was first seen in the UK at last year's Birmingham International Motor Show. The Copen proved such a crowd-puller that 1,500 potential customers expressed an interest. This enthusiasm persuaded Daihatsu to investigate its export potential.
The front-wheel drive Copen measures 3,395 mm long, has a 1,475 mm width excluding mirrors and is 1,260 mm high. Its wheelbase is 2,230 mm, overhangs are tiny and the driver sits perfectly between front and rear wheels. 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 engine is transversely-mounted in the front.
All Japanese K-Cars are limited to a 660 cc engine capacity with a 64 PS power limit. The Copen features an all-aluminium 16 valve, 659 cc engine with four cylinders for extra smoothness. Its turbocharger was designed exclusively for this car and provides strong response from as low as 2,000 rpm. Maximum power is 64 PS at 6,000 rpm while peak torque of 81 lb ft occurs at 3,200 rpm, providing good low-speed flexibility. Fifth gear, for example, will pull strongly from 35 mph. While no official figures are currently available, top speed is estimated to be over 105 mph with a 0-60 mph time in under 10 seconds.
Engine changes to allow the Copen to pass European Type Approval are expected to include a revised electronic control unit (ECU) to alter the high-speed fuel delivery and revisions to the turbocharger.
Standard transmission is a five-speed manual although a dual-mode four-speed automatic gearbox is also available in Japan.
The Copen's major 'party-piece' is an electrically-operated folding hard-top - very similar to that on a Mercedes SLK - offering excellent security and weather protection. All the driver has to do is unlock two windscreen catches and press a button on the centre console. The lightweight aluminium roof then folds into the boot in less than 25 seconds. A more basic version is also available in Japan comprising a roof panel which has to be manually stowed in the boot.
Options include a 'Sports Pack' comprising a rear performance brace and uprated front and rear suspension with gas-charged shock absorbers. The Copen can even be ordered in Japan with a front limited-slip differential.
The Copen was first displayed as a concept 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. |
