Daihatsu Copen

Logrence · 3 Aug 2004, 20:28 (Ref:1055524)

Why?!

Not only why does this pointless little dinky toy with an engine exist, but why would people buy it?

I should imagine even most hairdressers would be too embarassed to be seen with the top down on this limp-wrist-with-wheels...it makes the BMW 6-series look like the connoisseur's choice.

On the practical side, it's grossly underpowered and I hear it doesn't even handle all too well.

And wait - it gets worse - it's a Daihatsu!

Anyone got one?

Logrence · 3 Aug 2004, 20:29 (Ref:1055525)

Oh...and just to quantify the thread, I posted because I saw one of these today (driver was going round with his hand covering his face...must've been a hack) and was wondering what people thought of it.

DAVID PATERSON · 4 Aug 2004, 05:49 (Ref:1055781)

I believe anything smaller than a Corolla or Focus isn't really a car and should not be bought or sold. The Copen is an example of why.

It is not beatiful, powerful, fast, practical or especially safe. It doesn't even represent good value for money in the long run. Quite simply, it has nothing in it's favour, so why does it deserve a place in the market?

BlueBlood · 4 Aug 2004, 08:28 (Ref:1055869)

Because however quirky, gutless and impractical they may be, someone will always buy it because it is different.
Toyota Will, nissan s-cargo and others, suzuki cappacino, all have a market with those who want to stand out.

ASCII Man · 4 Aug 2004, 09:46 (Ref:1055926)

It looks a bit like a cheap modernised version of a Porsche Speedster...

**Dani Filth** · 4 Aug 2004, 11:46 (Ref:1056044)

i wouldn;t buy one . but it's not that bad ..

Truckosaurus · 4 Aug 2004, 11:57 (Ref:1056052)

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueBlood
suzuki cappacino,

The Suzuki was meant to be a decent car in its day. The Copen has a place in the market as a cheap droptop, it has the folding hardtop IIRC, it would make a nice shopping car on a sunny day for someone's GLW (Good Lay Wife).

Here's another question, what's the cheapest (from new) soft-top that wouldn't be considered "a woman's car"? I'm thinking Lotus Elise (definitely) or BMW Z3 (borderline).

**garcon** · 4 Aug 2004, 13:07 (Ref:1056121)

The Z3's definitely a woman's car.

Toyota MR2? Used to have a decent reputation, not so sure now. Honda S2000 is a bloke's car. New Merc SLK is a bit more macho than the outgoing model too...

touringcarnut · 4 Aug 2004, 14:03 (Ref:1056175)

I'll have one for nothing, but it does resemble an oversized washine machine! I think they like making ugly cars to eep them in our minds.

429CJ · 4 Aug 2004, 19:30 (Ref:1056451)

This is a Japanese kei-car which have strict regulations - like the engine can't be bigger than 660 cc, also the size is regulated. Car can't be wider than 1475mm and longer than 3400mm, height, in the other hand, is not restircted. Also, if the engine does not produce more than 64 hp, the tax is lower. Great cars on traffic jams or searchin for parking spot.

Logrence · 4 Aug 2004, 23:49 (Ref:1056612)

An old MG is the cheapest, manliest car you can buy!

And there's nothing wrong with a Mazda MX5 - there's a small car with hair on it's chest!

Bigguy · 5 Aug 2004, 02:20 (Ref:1056653)

Surely the Copen was invented so those Noddys who bought those even more stupid Suzuki X90s had something to trade into.

Bigguy · 5 Aug 2004, 02:22 (Ref:1056654)

Quote:

Originally posted by Logrence
An old MG is the cheapest, manliest car you can buy!
SNIP

You must surely be talking pre-MGA, as the MGA was the originator of the term "hairdresser's car"

Truckosaurus · 5 Aug 2004, 08:31 (Ref:1056785)

Quote:

Originally posted by Guy Humpage
GLW (Good Lay Wife).

I did of course mean 'Good Lady Wife.

A fellow could get a reputation at this rate.

I think it's a little harsh to compare the Copen to a X90, a vehicle which had no redeeming features what-so-ever.

429CJ · 5 Aug 2004, 18:08 (Ref:1057281)

It would be a nice idea, if you will convince, it's hip to drive with kei-car, rather than behemoth-like FUVs, sorry, I mean, SUVs.

Bluebottle · 5 Aug 2004, 21:50 (Ref:1057548)

Quote:

Originally posted by Guy Humpage

Here's another question, what's the cheapest (from new) soft-top that wouldn't be considered "a woman's car"? I'm thinking Lotus Elise (definitely) or BMW Z3 (borderline).

I don't have any prices to hand but I would think a turnkey (ready built) Caterham 7 would be a strong contender.

As for the Daihatsu, well I've often thought it a shame that soft top versions of cloneboxes are only offered as high spec top of the range cars so we're being asked to spend too much money to get our hair ruffled! The styling of that car does bring to mind some of the cars from the arse end of the kit-car world of a few years ago!!
I wouldn't buy one, but then I already have tthree small convertibles and one big (for the UK

) saloon.

bartman71 · 6 Aug 2004, 06:51 (Ref:1057839)

there is a copen racing here in australia in the production class would go ok if it had some power
i work at a Diahatsu dealer in tasmania and we have sold 2 in about 12months
i think Audi (another Product we sell) would be ashamed because it is like a mini TT roadster

**GTRMagic** · 8 Aug 2004, 10:32 (Ref:1059976)

Here is the Copen in action ....

It looks like a 7/8th version of a real car, altho not being able to tell which is the front and which is the back is also fun...

Lucky Rick Bates (driver & preparer) has a sense of humour

Bluebottle · 8 Aug 2004, 13:16 (Ref:1060100)

Quote:

Originally posted by bartman71

i think Audi (another Product we sell) would be ashamed because it is like a mini TT roadster

The only visual similarity between the Copen ,TT, the Street Ka and the Boxter as well is that they are blessed with uninspired blob 'styling' Ugh!!

Bluebottle · 8 Aug 2004, 13:21 (Ref:1060105)

The Copen is also very similar to this

http://banmoco.co.uk/x21/

which was accused of being a TT replica!!!

429CJ · 8 Aug 2004, 19:13 (Ref:1060312)

That X21 front end looks like it's been made by KIA designers.