DAIHATSU

Toyota’s new cheap sports car can be a direct opponent of the Mazda MX-5

The Daihatsu Copen kei-category roadster launched in 2002 was a surprising success, of which the left-hand drive version with a 1.3 gasoline engine was made for export markets after 4 years. With the second generation launched in 2013, they remained in Japan, and the main novelty was the body parts that could be replaced at will. If the Daihatsu Copen study presented at the Japan Mobility Show is to be believed, with the 3rd generation they are already on their way to conquer the world.

The appearance was admittedly inspired by the first generation car – with which the designers paid tribute to the Nissan Figaro and the first Audi TT – and the opening hard top was also taken from it. The most important change is that the car is no longer kei-sized, but 3835 mm long, 1695 mm wide and 1265 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2415 mm. 

They double down on the gasoline engine, as a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.3 liters – which can also be used with carbon-neutral fuel – is used instead of the 650 cc turbo engine, and it is installed lengthwise in the nose, and the rear wheels are driven. After that, we can only hope that the 3rd generation Daihatsu Copen will reach us with the help of Toyota, which owns the brand – see Toyobaru.

Lővei Gergely