2012 & 2013 Daihatsu Coupe 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 and since 1992, Toyota has distributed Diahatsu vehicles in Nor... (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 and since 1992, Toyota has distributed Diahatsu vehicles in North America. Diahatsu, unfortunately, isn't offering a coupe model this year in some markets, but the Daihatsu Copen, which was produced from 2002 is still available for purchase by interested parties.

The Diahatsu Copen roadster/coupe was first introduced to the world in 1999 at the Tokyo International Motor Show, and it competes with several European cars, including the Volkswagen New Beetle, Audi A4, the Mercedes-Benz CLK, and the Citro?n C4. The coupe first appeared on the Japanese market in production form 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, however, a stronger, more powerful 1.3- liter engine was added to models in several countries, due to environmental restrictions. Overall, the Japanese Diahatsu Copen is fairly unique as opposed to those Copen vehicles exported to Taiwanese, European, and Hong Kong markets.

Both Copen coupe engines offer excellent fuel economy ratings, and the 1.3 engine produces a total of 86 horsepower. The Copen comes with a choice of 4-speed sequential manual transmission or 5-speed automatic transmission options. With its more powerful engine, the Diahatsu Copen coupe achieves zero-to-sixty-two mph in only 9.5 seconds, which is an increase of a full two seconds compared to the original Japanese engine. This coupe comes with several standard safety features, including, ALR and reinforced front doors, dual front and side airbags, ABS with electronic brake force, brake-detection upon impact, and rollover air bags. The coupe also includes a three-year, unlimited miles warranty and comes at an extremely reasonable price, (as Diahatsu vehicles do). Fuel economy comes in at about 40s mpg for city driving.

The Diahatsu Copen Roadster/coupe is best known for its fun personality, its fantastic fuel economy, and its sportiness. It stands out from the crowd with its distinct style, and its affordable, so there's no need to worry about the conflict that occurs between your heart and head. Overall, the Diahatsu Copen is a wonderful choice for drivers that wish to experience a smaller, more fuel-efficient, and more stylish way of driving! The Copen follows in the tradition of the 1980 Mira Coupe, which was created to feature huge space within a small car. It featured front-wheel-drive, and a compact engine compartment.