Daihatsu Copen Roadster

The Daihatsu Copen is to finally end its production run with a 10th Anniversary Edition. The long lived roadster has an enthusiastic following thanks to it’s cheeky personality and fun but frugal handling. The final edition of this convertible car is limited to just 500.

The Copen started life as a Kei car, a specific category of Japanese micro car which enjoys tax and insurance breaks thanks to the car and engine’s small size. The Daihatsu Copen Roadster was among the most popular of these cars to break into the European market. Early cars came with a tiny 659 cc turbocharged engine which complied with Japanese regulations however later exports had a 1.3 litre 16 valve engine which gave a smoother power delivery. The Copen could not be described as a fast sports car but it is still great fun to drive. The small proportions give it a go-kart-like feel and an illusion of travelling at higher speeds.

Macho it’s not and although tiny in size it will seat two adults and carry a small amount of luggage. The interior is comfortably equipped with a power-folding hardtop and a neat layout.

There have long been rumours of a replacement and while back in 2007 Daihatsu displayed the OFC-1 concept at the Tokyo Motor Show this does not seem to have been followed up with a production model. As the last Kei convertible perhaps this type of sporty little car is seen as too niche a market in current times. We hope not.

Daihatsu Copen Roadster