Consumers Information: Daihatsu Copen

The kei automobile. Usually fun, quirky and small sufficient to squeeze into Japan’s strict kei automobile laws. What comes to thoughts for many is the Suzuki Cappuccino, and even the Honda Beat, each having been round for the reason that nineties, however in 2003 the Daihatsu Copen was injected into the open-prime kei car market giving those who had been looking for an reasonably priced roadster meals for thought.

It oozes character, has an electric folding roof as customary, and its fizzy three-cylinder turbocharged engine and tight chassis make it a hoot to drive. Nevertheless, buying a Daihatsu Copen is a bit like proudly owning a Husky pet — it’s cute however it’ll require consideration and may be a big commitment.

The Daihatsu Copen vary

Unveiled in 1999, the Copen had a 67bhp turbocharged 660c engine and was available with either a five-speed automated or four-speed manual. Though never officially intended for Europe, it found its approach there and grew to become increasingly standard; however, due to the 660cc engine not meeting numerous European emissions regulations, the Copen was given a Toyota-derived naturally aspirated 87bhp 1.3-litre variant which meant that it might be driven in Europe. Not like the Cappuccino’s handbook roof, the Copen had a roof that would open in Mercedes-Benz SLK trend and tuck itself into the boot. Vehicles also got here with 15in alloys, twin airbags, air conditioning, a CD participant, a twin exhaust system and electric home windows. Patrons could additionally opt for a pink leather-based inside with heated seats and a replica Momo steering wheel.

Engine and transmission

The 660cc (JB-DET) engine has quite a lot of charisma but must be nicely-maintained. It was really helpful that the oil was modified every six months, or 3000 miles, and if not done, it will possibly result in turbo failure. If the turbo does go, it presently prices around £1000 for a brand new one, or round £500 for a used one, and elements may should be imported from Japan which can increase the worth. Spark plugs are additionally identified to work themselves loose and fire themselves out of the engine, on account of excessive compression, which is able to cause additional injury. The 1.Three-litre items are slightly stable if serviced at the advisable 9000-mile intervals. The four-speed computerized is healthier than the three-velocity discovered in the Cappuccino and is known to be reliable — the identical may be mentioned in regards to the five-pace guide. Each the 660cc and 1.Three-litre Copens weigh just under 900kg which means the 660cc can cowl the 0-62mph sprint in eleven.5 seconds whereas the 1.3 will do it in 9.2 seconds.

The surface

Though the 1.3-litre was constructed for the European market, its bodywork and chassis weren’t ready to suck on the salt from the British roads and vehicles had been recognized to rust across the wheel arches, boot lip, crash containers and exhaust — it’s value prying the plastic wheel arches open ever so barely to check for any heavy rust spots. On the subject of aesthetics, there’s a plethora of aftermarket elements accessible to enhance the Mk1 Audi TT-like appears to be like, reminiscent of mesh grilles, tonneau covers and luggage racks that straddle the rear boot lid.

The inside

Issues are tight, and even when not utilizing the armrest between the seats, you’ll nonetheless find yourself rubbing arms with a few of your passengers. If you’re over 6ft, 西武 ライオンズ FA the Copen would possibly really feel like you should be carrying it as a shoe moderately than driving it, and although this subject is nearly resolved by dropping the tin high, it’s not practical to take action all yr round. When shopping for, it’s price trying out the roof. If it opens and closes slowly, this may very well be the sign of the hydraulic pump failing and with years of dirt and grime building up within the fluid, the roof could ultimately stick halfway open or fully retracted leaving you soaked if it’s raining. Roofs are recognized to squeak and rattle but there are adjustment factors that can be tightened whereas a spray of WD40 would additionally help. Open the boot with the roof latched in place and test for dampness as this could be as a result of central brake gentle seal failing and filling the boot with water.

Working gear

Like most kei cars, the Copen isn’t designed for hardcore driving being solely equipped with drum brakes on the rear. Kei cars are pushed too much in Japan and in case your car has been imported, there could be a chance that each the brake discs and the pads might be worn out. Brake pads may be discovered for round £40 whereas brake drums can price between £50 and £77 in current costs. Many house owners decide to alter their rear drum brakes to disc brakes. It ought to really feel tight within the corners though when the roof is dropped, there could also be some notable scuttle shake.

What we say in regards to the Daihatsu Copen

There are plenty of convertibles in the marketplace and it’s comprehensible why individuals would go for the Mazda MX-5 or BMW Z3. For those who fancy something a bit totally different, the Daihatsu Copen makes loads of sense. There’s a supportive Copen community on social media who have already been by means of any woes and have a lot of advice to provide. Even in 2023, the Copen nonetheless turns heads and if you happen to pass a fellow Copeneer on the highway you’ll almost certainly flash your headlights at each other in excitement. Don’t be postpone by the low energy output as the Copen will present oodles of driving leisure. Decent turbocharged examples start at around £3,000.