Daihatsu’s Cute Copen

Weighing only 830kg the zippy convertible is powered in most markets by Daihatsu’s JB-DET 660cc 4 cyl engine that puts out 48kW also available in some countries along with turbocharging is their 1.3l K3-VE engine that can put out around 88kW and get the car from 0 to 100 klm in 9.5 seconds

The size of the Copen makes it a bit impractical to pack luggage or more than one friend in but the cars are gaining a cult following not only on the trendy streets of Tokyo but also in warmer climates as rent a cars where their roof down mode transforms them from a bit squeezy to open air fun.

Microcar MC2

The MC1 is the worlds first lightweight small saloon 4 seat car weighing under 400kg, combined with the interior space of a Mini.

The MC2 is a long wheelbase version extending the 2.8 meter long car by 28 cm and making the car a four seater.

The car is powered by a Twin cylinder four stroke 505cc fuel injection engine capable of 72mph and over 60mpg built by the Italian small engine manufacturer Lombardi.

official site http://www.microcar.co.uk/

Subaru R2

The styling of the R2 and R1 is said to be styled after Subaru’s classic 1969 R2 making it a rather funky retro design that is stark contrast to the car that it was said to replace the Subaru Pleo. The Pleo is still sold along side the R1 as an entry level cheaper model but shares the same engine.

The R2 and R1 are also available with a DOHC version of the 658cc motor as well as a supercharged and intercooled version. The transmission is a CVT auto driving the front wheels, an all wheel drive version is also available.

Nissan Moco

The Moco is built for Nissan by Suzuki and is based apon their MR Wagon. The car features inovative features like fold flat rear and fron passenger seats to give it a better cargo area, also the fron seat base folds forward to reveal a large hidden storage bin.

The Moco / Mr Wagon are powered by a 660cc engine via a column shift auto transmission. There is not alot of width in the small four seater hence the desision to place the shift lever on the steering column, future version see the shift lever move to a dash mounted type.  

The main diferences between the two cars are badging and a diferent front and rear light treatment, A turbo sporty version is also available from both Suzuki and Nissan.

The New Mira Gino

The Daihatsu Mira Gino was first released in 1999, it was based on the standard Mira of the time but it had a new front and rear end treatment that made it look like a classic Mini. There even was a version called the Minilite that featured the famous Cooper S type wheels and driving lights.

The New Mira seems to be a complete reskin of the old car and unlike the old model it’s styling features nothing in common with the rest of the Daihatsu range. Now more rounded, there is no mistaking the similarities between this car and a 1960s Mini. The interior is all new as well and is more in keeping with the retro feel of the car than that of the previous model.

The Mira Gino will be targeted at young woman drivers and is expected to be priced between 987,000 yen and 1,386,000 yen, Daihatsu hopes to sell around 3,500 Gino’s a month.

The Gino is available in both 2wd and 4wd, both versions come with a 3 cyl 660cc engine that delivers 43kw at  7600 rpm. Automatic transmision is standard.

The 1999 to 2004 Mira was also sold as a Curore in some markets, Daihatsu’s musical model names dates back to the early 1980s when the Mira was also sold as a Handivan in Australia, a Domino in the UK and a Curore in many other Countries. The new Mira which has very little in common with the new Gino is also currently sold as Charade in many countries, replacing a separate car of the same name.

The A2 is designed using space age technology. Its aluminium spaceframe is like a protective cage that surrounds occupants to absorb high levels of energy during a crash. Whilst it is over 40% lighter than if it was built from conventional steel it is safer and recyclable.

‘Full-size’ airbags and side airbags for the driver and the front passenger. Side airbags are integrated into the side of the front seat backs. In the event of the airbags being deployed, the central locking unlocks all the doors, the interior lights are switched on and the hazard warning lamps activated. Additionally the engine is switched off and the fuel pump (petrol engine) is shut down.

The combination of revolutionary engine technology with a space frame made entirely from aluminium allows the A2 to be faster, quieter and more economical. The A2 is available with two 1.4 litre engines, petrol and diesel, both producing 75 PS. Audi now claims the diesel A2 is the first car in the world to be able to use only 2.99 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres. The designers of the A2 put much work into saving weight and improving the aerodynamics of the A2 to improve fuel economy. Small features like a smouther underbody, lighter seats and even increased space in the floor of the rear seat area to provide extra room for the rear seat passengers while making the body shorter all add up to less weight.

The A2 offers new levels of service friendliness. It is the first production car to be fitted with an instant ‘service module’. Instead of lifting the bonnet there is a compartment behind the radiator grill that allows easy access to the dipstick, oil filler and screen washer water, Audi claim the bonnet of the A2 only needs to be accessed during regular service which is every 2 years or 30000 klm.