Daihatsu Copen

Expert Rating:

Introduction

The Daihatsu Copen is tiny. That's stating the obvious, sure, but it's so small that when you first clasp eyes on it you can't think about anything else. So miniscule is it, in fact, that in Japan it has earned 'K-Car' status, which means it benefits from notable tax breaks. But don't let its diminutiveness (or its Daihatsu badge) fool you into thinking it's an under-engineered, wobbly pretend car; it isn't. Indeed, it's a bit of a surprise in the 'being a proper car' stakes. But is it really good enough to be a genuine cut-price drivers' bargain?

What are its rivals?

True rivals are few and far between, as the Copen is fairly uniquely placed as a proper folding hardtop cabriolet-slash-sportscar, but a very reasonably priced one; for the Sunday League money Daihatsu is asking for its little flagship there's not much similar you could buy new. You could go down the hatchback-based coupé-cabriolet route, but that's really a different thing - they're more practical, more expensive and generally less driver-focussed.

So, the used market provides the best set of alternatives: an 02 plate Elise can be had for an outlay similar to the Copen's £ 11,495 list price at the moment, or a much fresher 07 plate Mazda MX-5. Or you could save yourself a few quid and buy into the now defunct Smart Roadster club - probably the car most akin in spirit to the Daihatsu.

How does it drive?

Exactly like a really small, really odd two-seat sportscar should, which is to say it's very easy to manage and a lot of fun. The wheels are pushed right out to all four corners of the body and the chassis is short, which, combined with sharp steering, results in a car that turns in quickly and predictably and which has loads of grip. Purists will say it's not a true sportscar because it's front-wheel drive (unlike the Elise and the MX-5), but that doesn't really matter because the Copen is more about nimble handling and maximum fun at minimum speeds than it is on-the-limit powersliding.

What's impressive?

Again, the way it handles stands out, particularly how tractable it is. It's so easy to control because there's not actually a lot of power there - the new 1.3-litre engine generates only 86bhp - but it feels quicker because you're tightly encased into the two-seat cockpit and very low to the ground. Daihatsu recently facelifted the Copen, but you might not know it because it didn't change any of the exterior details, instead replacing the engine and updating the gearbox, while knocking £2k off the price. The old lump was smaller capacity and turbocharged, but this naturally aspirated unit is cleaner, quicker and more economical (it now returns 47.1mpg combined and has dropped a VED band with 140g/km of CO₂, though that only saves you a fiver per year in road tax). A full two seconds is shaved from the 0-62mph sprint time (now 9.5 seconds) and the power is delivered in a smoother way than before. Plus, the new engine has allowed Daihatsu to lengthen the gear ratios, making it a quieter cruiser on the dual carriageway.

So, it's a better all-rounder than the pre-facelift car, but it still looks unique and is even cheaper to buy and run. What's not to like?

What's not?

It feels cheap in the cabin and, predictably, is cramped. There's just no design flair there at all and even the optional accessories our test car came equipped with - namely red leather sports seats and a Momo steering wheel (which is too big) - can't lift the ambience of a cockpit that seems well out of date. The folding hard top on our car categorically refused to lower too, which we could only assume had something to do with a shelf in the boot being out of place, though it wouldn't work no matter what we did.

The suspension setup is very firm as well, which is good from an out-and-out driving point of view on the right roads, but day-to-day it's a pain. And, frankly, people laugh at this car. The more flamboyant among you may find a unique appeal in the Copen's oddball styling, teensy stature and rarity on UK roads - but for most it will be a step too far. It has no boot or storage space to speak of either. Well, technically it does have those things, but its total baggage capacity is about the same as British Airways allows as hand luggage.

Should I buy one?

It takes a special type of person to take the plunge and buy a Copen because it's just so different. Those not instantly mortified by its looks, however, may well find that its value for money, satisfying driving experience and unique styling make it an appealing choice. There's every chance that anyone even thinking about a Copen will not change their minds after driving it, despite its thumpy ride. We'd go for a used MX-5 every time. But then, they're common, right?

Mark Nichol