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Daihatsu Copen L8 1.3 i 16V (87 Hp)
Overall Rating
Daihatsu Copen:
The Daihatsu Copen is a 2-door convertible kei car built by the Japanese car company Daihatsu. It debuted at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, as the Daihatsu Copen concept. The second generation model debuted as the Kopen at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.
The Copen was originally designed with a 660 cc turbocharged engine in order to meet Japanese kei car regulations. However, since this engine did not meet environmental emissions standards in several other countries, the Copen was fitted with a more powerful but cleaner 1. 3-litre, naturally aspirated engine in these markets since October 2007. Styling was inspired by the Nissan Figaro and Audi TT Roadster....(Read more on Wikipedia)
L8 Overview:
Daihatsu Copen (L8). With 120 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.7 l/100km). Weighing only 850 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.5 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A convertible with a retractable hardtop, offering the benefits of both coupe and cabriolet. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Daihatsu Copen L8 was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. As a small, older convertible, its passive safety features are likely to be less advanced than modern vehicles, though it did include ABS.
1.3 i 16V (87 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.3L K3-VE engine provides a lively and responsive driving experience for the lightweight Copen, offering decent acceleration for spirited motoring.
Fuel Economy
With a combined 6 l/100 km, this naturally aspirated engine offers respectable fuel efficiency for its performance class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unique and charming retro styling
- • Engaging and fun-to-drive character
- • Compact size ideal for city driving
- • Affordable open-top motoring
- • Reliable Daihatsu engineering
Cons:
- • Limited practicality and boot space
- • Small engines may feel underpowered on highways
- • Older safety technology
- • Niche market means parts can be harder to find
- • Firm ride quality
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(L8: 2003 - 2012).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Daihatsu |
| Model: | Copen |
| Generation: | L8 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.3 i 16V (87 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2006 |
| End of production: | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe - Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 87 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 120 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | K3-VE More details about the engine K3-VE |
| Engine displacement: | 1298 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.6 l |
| Coolant: | 4.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.8 kg/Hp, 102.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 141.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 850 |
| Max. weight: | 1040 |
| Max load: | 190 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 210 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3395 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1475 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1245 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2225 mm [5mm less] |
| Front track: | 1300 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1290 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 165/50R15 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the Daihatsu Copen live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!