Daihatsu Copen (Parallel Imported)

Despite its small 660cc engine, the pickup of this cute roadster is decent.

My first turbo engine car I owned and I love hearing the engine rev up.

The car seats low though, so watch out for the humps and bumps. Suspension is not the best too, so go slow at the humps.

Excellent handling at bends.

The roof retracts pretty fast too.

Definitely an attention grabbing car, usually appeals more to kids and ladies

Often gets little kids pointing to my car (think it really does look like a toy car to them!)

Have to scrap it in another few months time :( definitely am toying with the idea to extend another 5 years...

Have been driving this car for 9 and a half years and soon will be parting with it, not because it's a bad car, but Singapore's car registration system doesn't make it economically feasible to own the car beyond 10 years. It's been a very reliable car thus far and I only need to replace the parts due to wear and tear. Never had I regretted my decision to purchase this car, and am still proud to say I'm one of the rare first owners of this car still driving it around.

Car brings a smile to me all the time and till this day I always look forward to my daily drives. People look/stare at it, take photos of it, kids point and smile, it's definitely an attention grabber.

Handling of the car is like a go kart, power to weight ratio is excellent. There's a slight turbo lag but once the power and torque kicks in, even higher powered car drivers are stunned to see this little car overtaking them. Road noise is definitely on the noisy side of things as the car sits very low, plus being a roadster means the car interior and roof rattles too. Although the view from the car is fine, other people's view of the Copen may be minimal, bigger cars like SUVs or big MPVs or lorries tend to cut into our lanes unknowingly because they can't see the Copen. Car is excellent for parking even in old carparks where the turns are super tight and parking lots are tiny.

Car features are minimal, main feature is the electric folding hardtop roof which closes in about 20s. Boot space is generous when the roof is up, a lot of people think that boot space is small, but actually the boot is just a lid, and what you see is all the space you'll get. I can fit a 59" Luggage in without problems and even still have space for other stuff at the sides.

Overall a nippy lifestyle car suitable for couples who have no children, singles, or people looking for a 2nd car.

Have been driving this little roaster for a year now. It still brings me lots of fun every time I'm behind the wheel.

The exterior styling has abit of a nostalgia hint with those circular headlights and fogs. That front grinning facial grille has also appealed to many ladies, children and parents. However, being a guy, I naturally wanted my Copen to look sleeker and sportier.

When I started to look around for bodykits, I realised the first problem with this kei car. Parts are hard to come by because Copen is not a common car in Singapore. It is quite rare in fact. And changing that front bumper needed me to hunt for a set of turn signal lights too! That's because the factory turn signals are in the foglights.

To the misinformed drivers, the light weight Copen probably seemed unstable at high speeds. What most people don't realise is that this kei car comes with a double x-frame bolted to the underbody. It also came with front and rear anti-roll bars. This equation has minimised bodyroll to a minimum. Even my Type R didn't come with x-bars. However, since the Copen is also seated very low, the ride tends to be harsh. But not sportscar harsh. The overall handling is very sweet indeed. Wished the steering is alittle tighter at high speeds though.

Many people have claimed the lightweight Copen doesn't need lots of power. Well, I say the 660cc engine does have its disadvantage. At 1st gear, the throttle seemed sluggish and underpowered. Turbo Lag is imminent. Once the turbo starts spooling, you do get a bit of a pull-back-in-your-seat feel. Tuning with a piggyback and boost controller will see noticeable gains. Just don't expect sportscar performance. The Copen is within Swift Sport and Honda Fit RS category.

A nippy roadster small in size but BIG on character. This little bugger will put bigger cousins to shame. Frugal on fuel but big on performance for a 660cc car that has great styling with a little big heart for exhilarating drive performance. I love it to bits!!

I don't own a Copen, but I have driven one - and that memory has stayed with me! This is truly a fun car to drive!

It is quick and actually overtakes (but you may have to push it rather hard for this) and handles precisely. It is steady at higher speeds and easy to handle at carpark speeds. Such good feel from the seat of your pants (you are very low to the ground). Feels like a go-kart with a body shell and an extra seat.

So easy to park and get through narrow spots, such a bringer of smiles from others on the road.

The ride is a little harsh - which reminds you you're in a real car and not driving one on Playstation Granturismo. But it helps give the car its feel and raw sports car character.

OK, so it is not really a sports car, but with the topdown you can pretend it is. And with Singapore's speed limits, this might actually be a saner choice than real sports cars you always have to rein in.

The interior is sports car cool, but really very tight. You must like your passenger a lot and she must not mind your brushing her thighs every time you shift gears.

Practicality - well - you decide. There's space enough for a really really small bag with the roof up and practically none with it down. If you are carrying anything bigger than a briefcase, you might have to drive solo.

I am rating the car average for reliability only because I have not owned a Copen or Daihatsu, but generally I understand they are pretty decent in this area.

The Copen is a really nice little car that is a true joy to drive. But it is also a very niche sort of car. You shouldn't expect too much utility other than moving yourself and another person around. Forget cargo. Think of it as a safer sort of motorcycle with a metal shell to keep the rain off and you will be fine.

But for that, the asking price is kinda steep. Which is why I chose another kei car in the end. But if you can afford a second car to have fun in or already have a car that does the hauling, then look at the Copen. I still wish I had one!

Coz I've had her!