Honda & Daihatsu ready roadster Kei cars!

As I have reported in the past, not only Daihatsu is working on a Copen successor, but Honda also plans to introduce a Beat successor (earlier post)! Those renderings of the new Beat and Copen come from Japanese Best Car magazine and I would really love to see those in Europe... although there is no chance to see the new Copen in Europe (earlier post).

Latest rendering of Daihatsu Copen successor

The next-gen Copen is a car that won't make it to Europe, but it's still a car that I really look forward seeing it. In the past, it was reported (earlier post) that the new model will be launched in 2014, although Best Car seems to claim that it's going to be during 2013. In any case, on the front cover you can see the latest rendering of it!

Best Car Super Scoop Special issue arrived!!!

The BC Super Scoop Special issue has just arrived from Japan, so stay tuned for a lot of news!!!

Next-gen Daihatsu Copen coming in 2014!

Following the scoop on the next-gen Copen (earlier post), now it's time for some more info. It was a long time since Daihatsu displayed the OCF-1 concept and the possibility of a Copen successor was under consideration, but it seems that Daihatsu decided that it will not stop it, as it is boosting its image in the small car segment. The new Copen will make its debut in March 2014, according to Mag-X, and it will use the same platform with the Move.

The new two-cylinder engine will feature direct injection, along with a turbocharger, and it is expected to produce 64 ps and 10.1 kgm of torque. Of course, the problem of vibration with two-cylinder engines is something that Daihatsu engineers are confident that can solve with modern material technology.

Rendering of Daihatsu e:S

This is Mag-X's impression of the upcoming Daihatsu e:S (earlier post). No surprises really since the actual production model is expected to look very close to the prototype.

[Source: Makoto Garage Illustration]

Scoop on new Daihatsu Copen!

The new issue of Mag-X magazine is coming out and this is a scoop on the new Daihatsu Copen! It is reported that a new 2-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct injection will be fitted. It's a shame that we will never have the change getting it in Europe...

Daihatsu to pull out of Europe?

I just read that Daihatsu may pull out of Europe by the end of January 2013. The article mentions that there will be support and after that date, including warranty claims and spare parts. Of course there is no confirmation about it from Daihatsu and I am a bit reluctant to believe it, but where there is smoke...

[Source: Autohaus.de]

A glimpse of the new Japanese models coming in 2011!!!

The latest issue of Best Car magazine has a very interesting cover showing all the important new Japanese models coming in 2011!!!

So, here is what's coming (... I am missing a couple of Nissan sedan models):

• Daihatsu's small car based on the concept e:S (earlier post)

• Honda Fit - aka Jazz - wagon (earlier post)

• Honda Freed Hybrid 

• Honda Insight (facelift with design cues from  FCX Clarity)

• Lexus CT (looks like a spicy version... a CT-F perhaps?) 

• Lexus GS-F (earlier post)

• Mazda CX-5 (Mazda's variant of the Ford Kuga)

• Nissan Tiida - aka Versa - (earlier post)

• Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A (related posts)
  

• Toyota Prius V (related posts)

Daihatsu cuts cost of stop/start system by 70%

Daihatsu has managed to reduced the cost of its stop/start system by 70%. The new system is installed in the new Move (earlier post), called "eco IDLE", and its mass has been reduced as well from about 10kg to 4kg.

"In order to achieve the reduction in cost and mass, the number of parts had to be reduced. The old system, as used as in the Mira, consisted of a battery, starter, dedicated ECU (electronic control unit), hydraulic brake holding system, electric hydraulic pump for its CVT, electric double layer capacitor that prevents the instantaneous drop of voltage at start-up and so forth.

The new one, uses the same battery and starter, but Daihatsu eliminated the electric hydraulic pump, replaced the capacitor with a DC-DC converter integrated with the ECU, embedded the hydraulic brake holding system in the ABS (antilock brake system) in place of a dedicated solenoid valve.

Lighter & cheaper small car coming from Daihatsu in 2011

Daihatsu's president Koichi Ina told reporters, during the release of the new Move in Tokyo (earlier post), that Daihatsu will bring a new small car to the market by the end of next year with a fuel economy of 30 km/L and a tag price below 1,000,000 ¥. The new car will be based on the concept e:S exhibited at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

[Source: Response]

Daihatsu reveals new Move & Move Custom in Japan

Daihatsu has revealed today the 5th generation of Move (earlier post) in Japan, available as Move and Move Custom. The Move used to be available in Europe as well, but unfortunately, due to low sales it's not anymore...

Since fuel efficiency is very crucial for every new model, the new Move comes with an "eco IDLE" system, thus achieving a fuel economy of 27.0 km/L. The 4WD version achieves 22.5 km/L. Of course, compared to the previous generation, there is improved comfort with an interior length of 2075 mm, a new dashboard and better soundproofing. Safety has also been enhanced with the use of side airbags, an SRS curtain system, VSC, a lane departure warning system and a radar cruise control system.

New Daihatsu Move on its way

Daihatsu is going to present the new Move soon, but unfortunately is going to be sold in Japan only. 

[Source: 頑張れ！三菱自動車 応援ブログと株日記]

Daihatsu slightly upgrades Copen in Japan

Killed in Europe, the Copen will now be only available in Japan. Dressed with a new grill and front bumper, the Copen is also featuring a slightly modified interior with a new selection of steering wheels as well as leather seats.

The new Copen is now available across Daihatsu dealerships in Japan and is sold between 1.7 to 2.9 million Yen.