Daihatsu Copen says farewell, after a decade-long run

Daihatsu is set to end production of its Copen in August, bringing a 10-year run to a close. The Copen, which made its debut in 2002 and won a Good Design Award that same year, is currently the only convertible minicar in the Japanese market; the likes of Honda and Suzuki ended production of their own mini convertibles years ago.

In its current guise, specs for the 660 cc roadster include output figures of 64 PS at 6,000 rpm and 110 Nm at 3,200 rpm, with five-speed manual and four-speed auto transmission options available.

Daihatsu Copen says farewell, after a decade-long run

According to reports, the company said it was pulling the plug on the open-top offering because of poor sales in recent times. Sales in Japan hit a peak in 2003, with 11,000 cars sold, but the car never really caught on. By 2011, only 2,000 vehicles were shifted, and total production volume has only been around 56,000 units.

The company is saying goodbye to the Copen with a 10th-anniversary special edition version later this year, of which it aims to sell 500 units of – the variant is set to feature commemorative scuff plates and leather seats, among other kit.

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