TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Daihatsu Kopen concepts
Micro convertible car from Daihatsu to be unveiled in Japan next month, could spawn production modelDaihatsu has revealed three Kopen concept cars, destined to make their debut in Tokyo next month.
It's a second bite of the cherry for Daihatsu, which sold its tiny convertible car, the Copen, between 2003 and 2006.
Spelled Kopen to outline the vehicle's 'kei car' structure -- ultra-compact and efficient Japanese city cars -- the new concepts appear to be almost production ready, and are powered by 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder engines mated to CVTs operable via steering wheel paddle shifters.
Of the three concepts pictured the blue and orange vehicles are dubbed RMZ, while the third is named XMZ, the latter featuring extra body cladding for a rugged appearance.
Measuring 3395mm long, 1475mm wide and just 1275mm high, the tiny front-wheel drive roadsters feature minimalistic digital interiors. The driver faces a large digitised instrument cluster while the passenger can toy with what appears to be a removable tablet touch-screen infotainment system.
The original Daihatsu Copen concept was revealed at 1999's Tokyo motor show, and it spawned the Copen production car in 2003. That car was sold in Australia until 2006, when the importer pulled up stakes. The Copen was powered by a 700cc turbocharged engine worth 50kW/100Nm and priced at $29,990. Second hand models go for between $20K and $25K these days, no doubt reflecting the car's rarity.
Although Daihatsu has not given the Kopen concepts the green light for mass production, Honda is readying its own compact sports car concept for the 2013 Tokyo motor show in the form of the S660 concept. Believed to be a precursor to a reborn Honda Beat, the upcoming concept will be closely watched as talk of a new Suzuki Cappuccino also gains impetus.
If the Daihatsu Kopen did reach production, it would be unlikely to reach Australia via a mainstream importer, as the company ceased operations here in March 2006, after 40 years as a local importer.
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