Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Daihatsu Copen, Japan's last kei convertible, ending production

You may not have ever heard of a car called the Daihatsu Copen, but it's ending production and we're sad to report it. The Copen is (or was) made by the budget Toyota brand and stands as the only convertible kei car – those being the whimsical little cars that zip around Japan – still on the market.

A tiny two-seat roadster with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Copen was a favorite among customers for being just downright fun. But apparently after ten years of production, there just aren't enough of those customers left to justify its continued production.

As a result, Daihatsu is reportedly discontinuing the line, with no apparent plans to replace it. Before it does, however, a 10th anniversary edition is reportedly in the works, with production limited to just 500 units. But with only 2,000 Copens sold last year, that represents a full quarter of production.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/d...ng-production/

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I always thought that the Copen would be rebadged as a Scion, when the brand emerged in 2004.

It would have been a nice addition to the xA and xB at the time...

JHStrange

That would have made a nice Scion addition although 10 years ago it probably wouldn't have sold.

It seems I've seen at least a rendering of an iQ roadster which would sell in today's market and given the iQ's US presence now maybe they'll consider it. I bought an iQ at the end of November to off load some mileage from our Lexus and its succeeded way beyond our expectation.

spwolf

so how do you like your iQ?

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

shame, that's a really nice packaged convertible.

JHStrange

Judging by our almost exclusive use of the iQ over the last 3 months I'd say it's a winner for us. That includes a number of 250 mile trips. It's surprising how much you can pack in the back with the seats down. We're a couple of seniors and rarely have 3 people in it but it does work. Despite their commercials I'd say the back seats are best left to kids or the rare occasion you need to carry an extra adult for a short trip.

The CVT needs a little time to get used to how it works although typical CVT operation if you've had experience with a scooter or a snow mobile. Engine revs up not commensurate with the car acceleration then the car catches up with it. Performance is really quit adequate considering we're used to our GS430 and SLK32AMG.

In 3 months and 2,889 miles we've averaged 33.1 mpg, our last tank was 34.85 mpg. I expect by summer we'll be regularly hitting their advertised 37 mpg. Short trips are mileage killers though, like a mile up to Starbucks.

We did add two big ticket accessories. Scion Navigation System (looks and acts just like the Lexus system) and heated leather seats that are an aftermarket dealer installed item from Katskin. I like them but am a little disappointed with fit.

We find the ride comfortable, better on the freeway; really could make use of Cruise Control (not available) and it would be nice have a light in the back at night. The car is so short I always find myself a foot from the curb when I park at a store or restaurant. Steering is amazingly tight.

Love it.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

thanks for review! no cruise control though? odd. but i guess as it's targeted at city use, maybe understandable.

ArmyofOne

Scion xC? I could see it. Would have been nice and probably would have sold well here in the US.

VIPG35

iTrader: (6)

Looks like a bettle

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

profile reminds me of a downsized first gen Audi TT

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

looks nothing like a beetle.

agreed.

speedflex

I think it's pretty cool, actually.

Big Andy

The photo really doesn't give an impression of how small the Copen is - I've had bigger skateboards.