The Daihatsu Copen reaches the end of its life

The segment of kei-cars in Japan produces genuinely interesting surprises that go beyond its borders. The Daihatsu Copen was one of them, coming from a brand that has always specialised in mini cars. The small convertible will be discontinued in the few places where it is still sold, including Japan, according to the Japanese newspaper Nikkei.

Earlier this year the Copen had already been removed from the European market, in line with the brand’s gradual withdrawal from Europe, which will be completed in 2013. With only around 2,000 units sold last year, sales expectations for 2012 were not especially optimistic, compounded by the disadvantages of the yen’s exchange rate and the costs of importing from Japan.

The only final news for the small convertible, with its 1.3-litre engine producing 86 CV and a healthy top speed of 170 km/h, is that the Japanese brand is preparing a special 500-unit tenth-anniversary edition, the last series of the small Copen before it leaves the market after 10 years.