2012 & 2013 Daihatsu Convertible Reviews & Ratings

Japanese auto manufacturer Diahatsu might be smaller than its Japanese competitors, but it has a lot to offer. Diahatsu vehicles are available throughout most of the world: in Africa, Central and South America, the Middle East and Asia. Diahatsu is known for its small vehicles, which still manage to fit the tiny kei car regulations. The company was founded in 1907, but it didn't hold the Diahatsu name and mission until much later. Since 1992, Toyota has distributed Diahatsu vehicles in North ... (full review continues below)

Japanese auto manufacturer Diahatsu might be smaller than its Japanese competitors, but it has a lot to offer. Diahatsu vehicles are available throughout most of the world: in Africa, Central and South America, the Middle East and Asia. Diahatsu is known for its small vehicles, which still manage to fit the tiny kei car regulations. The company was founded in 1907, but it didn't hold the Diahatsu name and mission until much later. Since 1992, Toyota has distributed Diahatsu vehicles in North America. Diahatsu, unfortunately, isn't offering a convertible model this year in some markets, but the Daihatsu Copen, which was produced from 2002 (only part of that time in the convertible variant) is still available.

The Diahatsu Copen convertible was originally introduced to the world in 1999 at the Tokyo International Motor Show. It first appeared on the Japanese market in 2002 and was available in several additional markets by the next year. The Copen was popular at its inception; over five -thousand orders were taken for the vehicle in the first month of its appearance in Japan. Only 1,200 were made for worldwide export to other countries, however. This Diahatsu was originally designed to meet Japanese kei car regulations and was, therefore, fitted with a 660cc turbocharged engine. Later, a more powerful 1.3- liter engine was added to models in some countries, due to environmental regulations. Overall, the Japanese Diahatsu Copen specs are quite different from those Copen vehicles exported to European, hond Kong, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong markets. The Copen competes with several European convertible vehicles, including the Audi A4, the Volkswagen New Beetle, the Mercedes-Benz CLK, and the Citroen C4.

Both Copen engines offer excellent fuel economy ratings, and the 1.3 engine produces a total of 86 horsepower. It comes with both 5-speed manual transmission and 4-speed sequential manual transmission options. With its more powerful engine, the Diahatsu Copen achieves zero-to-sixty-two mph in 9.5 seconds, which is an increase of two seconds over the original Japanese engine. The Copen convertible's top speed is 112 km/h. It comes with several standard safety features, including, dual front and side airbags, ALR and reinforced front doors, ABS with electronic brake force, rollover air bags, and brake-detection upon impact. The convertible also includes a three-year, unlimited miles warranty and it comes at a price of about £12,000. Fuel economy comes in at about 40s mpg for city driving.

The Diahatsu Copen has gathered many fans across the world in the last decade. The convertible is known for being fun to drive, its hardtop retractable roof, its great fuel economy, and its sportiness. The Copen comes with an optional Leather package, which is a must-have in our opinion! The Copen convertible really stands out from the crowd with its distinct style and fun personality. It's also extremely affordable for all of the impressive features that it offers. Overall, the Diahatsu Copen convertible is a top choice for those looking to experience the lighter, more enjoyable side of driving!