Daihatsu Copen (04-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 24 September 2009
The funky little Copen is one of the most affordable small convertibles around and great fun to drive too. Unusually for a car this small it features a metal-folding roof rather than a fabric hood, which means it is relatively quiet on the move and well-insulated from cold weather. It's diminutive dimensions make it easy to drive and a doddle to park in town, but the downside is a cramped cabin and virtually no boot space when the roof is down. The original engine was a 0.7-litre turbo but this was replaced in early 2007 by a more powerful 1.3-litre which is also more economical.
3.5 out of 5

Other Daihatsu reviews

2.5 out of 5

Running costs

It's a good choice if you're looking to keep costs down. Not only is it cheap to buy (either new or used) but fuel economy is impressive and insurance reasonable. The biggest issue however is servicing. While Daihatsu maintenance is well priced, the original engine in the Copen needs an oil change every 3000 miles and a major service every 6000 miles. The 1.3-litre is better with service intervals of 9000 miles - although this is still short compared to an everyday hatchback.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

659cc: 6000 miles (major), 3000 miles (oil change). 1.3: 9000 miles.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited mileage.

Road tax (12 months)

£120.00 - £170.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
    140
  • F
  • G
    151
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The Copen is very economical for a two-seat convertible and the 660cc engine averages 44mpg. However, emissions aren't as low as you'd expect and a CO2 figure of 151g/km means it isn't as cheap to tax as other small roadsters. The larger 1.3-litre is actually cleaner - it emits 140g/km of CO2 (so tax is lower) and returns 47mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2