Car Reviews > Daihatsu > Copen > New Daihatsu Copen Car Review
Copen - Unusually Efficient Sports Car
Efficiency is usually not the cornerstone of normal sports car design, especially not fuel efficiency. Daihatsu Copen has broken this mold by offering a small sports car that is efficient in every way. There is no wasted fuel, space, power or cost. This little machine works competently, with sports car looks and a sports car feel. The Copen is in a category all its own.
The first point to consider with the Copen is the fuel consumption numbers. For a sports car, it has phenomenal fuel efficiency, at 36.7mpg for urban driving, 47.1 for the combined cycle, and a wonderful 56.5mpg for those long out of town stretches. CO2 emissions are low too, at just 140g/kg. These figures would be great for most any car, but they are even more impressive in a sports car.
The Daihatsu Copen is definitely a small sports car, though. There is very little room to fit into the cabin, but the suspension is built strong enough to hold the weights of driver and passenger. When the retractable hardtop is folded down, it is almost a relief to get a bit more headroom. The top-down position is an enjoyable way to drive the Copen anyway. The storage space is tiny, although it gets a wee bit bigger if the top is not folded down during the drive. Yet, the Copen coupe can still be a nice choice in its own category.
The engine may not seem overly exciting for a sports car, but with its small size, the Copen gives a ride that is fast and feels powerful. The 1.3-liter gas engine is an improvement over older models of the Copen. It comes up with 86bhp at 6000rpm, and can reach a top speed of 112mph. The 0 to 60mph sprint can be done in as little as 9.5 seconds. When you take into consideration the fact that the Copen is less expensive than most of even the most boring and ugliest of subminis, these figures seem exceptional to say the least.
The cute Copen is a regular little road hugger. It has a low center of gravity, and its aerodynamics keep it where it needs to be. The suspension is made for excellent stability and cornering ability, as well as strength on the straight roads. Handling is tight, as is the turning circle for the easily maneuverable sports coupe. The Copen simply drives with sporty self-confidence and style.
The body style of the Copen, by the way, is an unusually retro design that most people will either love or hate. When a car has such a distinctive look, there is usually no room for a middle ground. Those who are not impressed will look elsewhere for a more expensive sports car or go for a les adventuresome car after all. The people who do become Copen fans will inevitably find the shape and design sporty and charming. This Daihatsu has a limited audience for sure, but those who appreciate it will find it provides a low cost solution for buying a sports car, maintaining it and keeping it filled with fuel. At the same time, they will find the Copen a joy to drive. That is a lot to ask of such a tiny little car, but the Copen delivers.
by Autoweb
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