The new model Copen has been formally launched by Daihatsu in Japan. Daihatsu has stuck with the Copen name rather than the "Kopen" name it used with the concept models. The first model is known as the Copen "Robe", with a sportier model currently code-named Copen X to be released later. It has a more angular and perhaps less "cute" look than the original model. The new Copen has a 660cc turbo-charged three-cylinder engine, so it still classes as a Kei car. Many of the body panels are interchangeable, which should allow for some interesting customisations. Parts that are fully customisable include the bonnet, boot lid, front and rear bumpers, all four wings, the rocker panels and the fuel lid. Some interior components are also customisable. It comes with a push button start, leather steering wheel and gear knob, heated seats, keyless entry, air conditioning, heated windscreen and carbon fibre trim, plus an optional "infotainment" system placed on top of the central dashboard. Available colours are Liquid Silver Metallic, Pearl White III, Bright Silver Metallic, Black Mica Metallic, Matador Red Pearl, Toniko Orange Metallic, Jaune Yellow, and Clear Blue Crystal Metallic Prices in Japan start at a very reasonable 1,798,200 yen (around £10,350 or €12,950) for the basic model or 1,819,800 yen (around £10,480 or €13,110) for the five-speed model. You can view the launch video here, and the Japanese website can be found here. There appear to be no plans currently to sell the new model outside Japan, so buyers elsewhere will need to arrange an import if they want to buy it.
I wonder how much it would cost to import, £3k? That would put it at the original retail cost of the Copen mk1 in the UK. I think I prefer the Honda S660 though. http://jalopnik.com/mid-engined-baby-roadster-honda-s660-set-for-2015-launc-1572868495
here's one http://www.tradecarview.com/used_car/japan car/daihatsu/copen/14940744/ a bargain price! imagine in 2 years when there's some used ones to import.
Just showed the picture of the new Copen to Mrs Old Badger. Her reaction: "it's nice, but the front is much more aggressive.....not as cute as the old one!" Funny, you'd think by now the car makers would know how important it is to appeal to women and take their views into account....apparently most new car buying decisions are actually taken by women! What do you other female and male members think? Is it an improvement in looks or not?
I like the side and back but the front is a bit too snub nose. Having said that I would consider buying one is they were available in the uk. But overall, I think Adam has the right idea.
New Copen Ordered and About to Be Shipped to UK Our New Copen in Pearl White has just arrived from dealership in Japan. It should be in the UK for Christmas - still Japanese registered to allow us to carry out European emissions testing in a view of creating a model report to import subsequent new vehicles. Watch this space!
The new Copen "robe" is not available in the UK :-(( you would have to import one from Japan. If you are looking for an older Copen - made up until 2009 then it is a case of looking on Autotrader etc. until the right car for you comes along.
Very cool! more pics please. And what's it like to drive? Your experience of driving it on uk roads may be a genuine exclusive!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...,new/make/daihatsu/postcode/ca263xz?logcode=p Just a quick nip down the M4 to Bristol, Badger, and you can have a go yourself! Let us know what it's like......
Hi Jules! Yes very tempting, especially as my eldest and his wife live in Bristol! I have driven MLC down the M4 to Bristol a few times...happy times!
Poo! That was quick! Clearly too much of a temptation for somebody. A Bristol dealership was offering the Robe with a "£995 deposit secures" ad - someone obviously enjoyed the weekend sunshine so much that they saw the potential of a brand new exclusive ride. Have fun, whoever you are - join the Copenistas and tell us what it's like!
