Daihatsu Copen With Four-wheel Drive
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Daihatsu Copen With Four-wheel Drive
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae...y.php?id=36399
Japan's smallest and cleverest coupé cabriolet is getting ready to grow up, Auto Express can exclusively reveal. The diminutive Daihatsu Copen, which was unveiled last summer and is set to make its UK debut in August, is to get a 1.3-litre engine and all-wheel drive in response to the launch of rivals such as the Smart Roadster and Ford Streetka.
The 4x4 version will arrive early in 2004 in Japan, and will cost around £14,000. Currently offering front-wheel drive only, the standard Copen is powered by a 660cc four-cylinder engine delivering 64bhp. The hot variant is likely to use the 1.3-litre engine and all-wheel-drive transmission from the recently introduced YRV.
Styling changes will be kept to a minimum. And as there is no turbo, extra cooling vents are not needed. However, it is understood that company engineers are working on an aerodynamics package to improve stability at high speed. The revised look will also help to distinguish the larger-engined machine from the entry-level version. The 1.3-litre Copen will offer at least 86bhp and give owners a choice between a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox. The self-shifter will also provide the driver with steering wheel-mounted controls, similar to those on the new Smart.
Despite its clever electrically operated metal folding roof, the vehicle will weigh only 900kg. That means that, while the top speed will be limited to about 112mph, the 0-60mph time could be reduced to less than 8.5 seconds. Measuring only 3,395mm in length, 1,475mm wide and 1,245mm high, the Copen is the smallest of all the recently revealed raft of micro-cabriolets. Even though the newcomer is compact in size, safety has not been overlooked, with driver and passenger airbags, as well as multi-channel ABS complete with stability control, coming as standard.
Traction control is not offered, and is unlikely to appear on the all-wheel-drive edition, either. Meanwhile, equipment levels will be extremely generous, with the flagship Copen offering standard air-conditioning and electric windows alongside its power-operated roof.
The 4x4 version will arrive early in 2004 in Japan, and will cost around £14,000. Currently offering front-wheel drive only, the standard Copen is powered by a 660cc four-cylinder engine delivering 64bhp. The hot variant is likely to use the 1.3-litre engine and all-wheel-drive transmission from the recently introduced YRV.
Styling changes will be kept to a minimum. And as there is no turbo, extra cooling vents are not needed. However, it is understood that company engineers are working on an aerodynamics package to improve stability at high speed. The revised look will also help to distinguish the larger-engined machine from the entry-level version. The 1.3-litre Copen will offer at least 86bhp and give owners a choice between a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox. The self-shifter will also provide the driver with steering wheel-mounted controls, similar to those on the new Smart.
Despite its clever electrically operated metal folding roof, the vehicle will weigh only 900kg. That means that, while the top speed will be limited to about 112mph, the 0-60mph time could be reduced to less than 8.5 seconds. Measuring only 3,395mm in length, 1,475mm wide and 1,245mm high, the Copen is the smallest of all the recently revealed raft of micro-cabriolets. Even though the newcomer is compact in size, safety has not been overlooked, with driver and passenger airbags, as well as multi-channel ABS complete with stability control, coming as standard.
Traction control is not offered, and is unlikely to appear on the all-wheel-drive edition, either. Meanwhile, equipment levels will be extremely generous, with the flagship Copen offering standard air-conditioning and electric windows alongside its power-operated roof.
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