Daihatsu Copen
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Recommended. Miniaturised roadster is unlike anything else on the market - but it struggles to cope with the big, bad world.
Review
It's hard not to like the concept behind the Copen: a miniaturised coupe-convertible that's completely unlike anything else on the market.
The diminutive proportions mean its a doddle to thread through urban streets or to park in tight spaces, but they conspire with the cutesy styling to give it the appearance of something that Noddy might drive. The tiny cabin feels very tight for anyone above average height. Practicality is limited by only having two seats and a tiny boot, although the power operated folding metal hardtop works quickly and cleanly.
The Copen's driving experience is dominated by a tiny, rev-happy turbocharged 0.8 litre engine. It's a joy to thrash it through the gears - and even at max attack there's little chance of finding yourself on the wrong side of a speed limit - but the real downside comes from very low gearing and noisy, buzzy cruising at speed.
A neat idea, but one that's likely to appeal to only a tiny minority of sportscar buyers.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
The cute styling helps it to stand out, but it lacks much in the way of sportscar machismo - and dinky proportions make it look like a toy from some angles.
Handling
3 star
Cornering responses are impressively keen and it stays predictable as the low limits approach, but it's not a match for more conventional roadster rivals.
Comfort
2 star
Only the very small need apply. The cabin feels cramped, ride quality is bumpy over poor surfaces and refinement is non-existent over about 65 mph.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
As solidly constructed as you would expect a Daihatsu to be. Some of the cabin switchgear feels a bit low-rent, but the folding hardtop is a triumph of miniaturisation.
Performance
2 star
It's great fun to thrash the tiny little engine to within an inch of its life - but acceleration is never better than barely adequate.
Roominess
1 star
The tiny, cramped cockpit must be about the smallest of any car on sale in Britain when the roof is up. The boot capacity is very limited, too.
Running Costs
3 star
Good on fuel and with respectable insurance costs but service intervals are short and depreciation is fairly sharp.
Value for money
3 star
Britain's cheapest roadster - but only the most dedicated minimalists will be happy with its small size and poor performance.
