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Daihatsu Copen revealed: Second generation model features replaceable body panels

The second generation Daihatsu Copen convertible kei car has been unveiled at a ceremony in Japan.


Looking not too dissimilar to last year's Kopen concept, the production vehicle is spelt with a 'C' like its predecessor.

The Copen's two-piece folding hardtop can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds via a switch in the centre tunnel. With the roof up, Daihatsu claims the boot can accommodate a golf bag up to 23cm in diameter.

The original Copen favoured rounded forms over straight lines, but the new car features a straighter edges and more sharply defined details. If that's not to your liking, but you're definitely in the market for a teeny tiny convertible, Copen retailers in Japan can help you out, because the car's resin body panels are dealer replaceable.

Parts that are fully customisable to the buyer's taste include the bonnet, boot lid, front and rear bumpers, all four fenders, the rocker panels and the fuel lid.

Under whatever skin the new Copen is wearing is a 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine churning out 47kW of power and 92Nm of torque. Power is funnelled to the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or a CVT with seven driver accessible "gears".

A limited slip differential is included as standard on cars fitted with the manual transmission. Kit available on the new car includes push button start, climate control air conditioning, heated seats and leather trim.

The new Copen goes on sale almost two years after the original car was discontinued. The first generation Copen hit Japanese dealers way back in 2002, and mixed a kei-class compliant body and mechanical package with an Mercedes-Benz SLK-style mechanical folding hardtop.

Prices for the second generation Copen begin at 1,798,200 yen ($18,760) for the CVT model and 1,819,800 yen ($18,980) for the five-speed manual.

Toyota - Daihatsu's parent company - has previously informed CarAdvice that there are no plans to offer any Daihatsu products as part of its range in Australia. Daihatsu previously had a standalone presence in the local market, but pulled out due to low demand in March 2005.

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