To be fair (I am a 6 footer myself) people who are 6 feet or higher represent about 5% of world population, so the absolute majority of people would fit and enjoy this car very much. It's light, nimble and the 2nd Gen looks more aggressive which is not bad in my book.
They work great if you're never driving over 40mph. I'm 6'1" and have driven a decent number of them in the Philippines. They shouldn't be allowed in the US unless they're stuck in a museum
The whole reason my dad got a MGB GB back in 1972 was that it was the only sports car at the time that was a) affordable, and b) would fit his 6'3" frame. Back in the early 60's he'd had a Volvo P!800, but those were no longer in production by then.
@@tenossos Just a pity it wasn't available in the Swedish market :) - but yes, that's deffo one on my bucket list. The lack of Lucas electrics is another bonus.
I alway thought the "Copen" stands for "Coupée & Open" 🤔 Anyway, you should take a look at the Suzuki Cappuccino (from the mid 90ies, it's been mentioned in earlier comments) which is also a Kei-car but it seems to offer a bit more space as you really get to push the seat a bit more towards the rear axle 🙄 ... plus: it's a rear wheel drive, the engine sits just behind the front axle (is that a mid-engine, by definition?) and it's a bit lighter as the roof does not come down automatically but you need to (literally) disassemble it and store the three panels in the trunk which is then quite full 😂. And - on top of it all - you can then turn it from a Targa into a Roadster by pivoting the roll-bar down and backwards while also hiding the rear window inside 👀. Quite ingenious, really ...
Yep some cars are just meant to be adored from afar. I rode in the 1st Gen of one of these, while in Sapporo. Cute? Neat? Different? All Yes, but at 6'2 minus having the top down always. Wouldn't be practical just getting in or out. It reminded my of my BMW Isetta. As "cool" in that it was nerdy as all anything & tiny. 😂 just wasn't a car I'd keep. - Now would be neat & I think Tommy would nerd out in a huge way over reviewing a Tango 600! Which I so wanted, sadly only 100 so far built since '02 they're hard to come by.
Roman, you left your dignity in the front seat of that tiny car. Ha! There are some interesting, little cars over there, but so many of us could never fit.
Being 6'1" or so, long legs and bad knees/back (turning 70 this month) I was able to live with a '92 NA for six years (bought new, would tell people I could fit with vasoline and a running start) but then as the knee operations, neck fusion, etc. Miata wouldn't work, owned an '04 S2000 for a week and now reside in a manual C7 conv, which I enjoy but miss the "slow car drive fast" shifting which I don't need to do in the Vette (could start and stay in third all day long).
Man, I’m under 6ft and I live in the city/suburbs. This would be a fantastic and efficient commuter for all weather. Much more efficient than my Silverado. 😅
Love the Copen. It’s one of my favorite Daihatsu cars along with the Hijet and Rocky. Speaking of those latter two models, I hope you guys have a chance to review more of these real JDM cars.
plenty of room. its a SUMMER ONLY car if you are as tall as Roman though. and i believe the red thing is a flare, something like to signal if you are in trouble, i believe
That may be true, but that doesn't make it a good thing that taller people don't fit in the car. Plus it's not like letting it be tall person friendly wouldn't ruin it for women.
This new Copen seems a bit cramped. The previous gen seemed more roomier. This was definitely a fun video just the same. I guess the sacrificed the space up front for the auto mechanism in the back. I still would love one of those Kei Sportscars just the same. Just maybe the older Copen. Much respect though, to see you guys having fun.
Both of my dream cars are too small. I long for a WWII Jeep, also loved Honda CRX. I attempted to by a CRX twice. Couldn't fit sholder was out the window and in center of passengers seat. Very cool car but not for a 6'3" at the time 245lbs 12% bodyfat...
Tommy, you are saying 'Keijidousha' （軽自動車）correctly. 'Kei （軽）' simply means 'light' (as in not heavy). However, if you were to describe something as being light, you would say that it is 'karui' （軽い). It is only 'kei' when the character is used in compound form and takes on a different reading. So when people are talking about 'kei' as in the cars, it is really an abbreviation. It is used as much in conversation in Japanese as it is in English, but is strictly ’keijidousha' as you have been correctly saying. Jidosha simply means vehicle or car.
Back in the 1990s, I lusted after the Suzuki Cappuccino. Better than the Honda Beat. Roman, you and Andrey are too large and in charge! You gotta be tiny!
I've driven my share of kei cars in Asia. I have no idea why any American would want one and they absolutely shouldn't be allowed on the roads in the US.
I love little two seater sports cars. But at my height, that ain't happenin'. Back when the Miata first came out in the 90s, I had a friend and his wife buy one and then they went on vacation, leaving me with the car. And I said "The only reason you are leaving me with your pride and joy is that you know I can't take it anywhere. If the house caught on fire, I'd have to push the car away."
To be fair (I am a 6 footer myself) people who are 6 feet or higher represent about 5% of world population, so the absolute majority of people would fit and enjoy this car very much. It's light, nimble and the 2nd Gen looks more aggressive which is not bad in my book.
Impressive they managed to fit an automatic convertible top in that tiny thing.
Used to own a 1970 Honda N600 sedan. 600cc air cooled motorcycle engine. It was great!
As a long-time expat in Japan, I enjoy these types of videos. :)
Sometimes being under 5’11 is a blessing 🤙
It works great in Japan for city driving. For people who aren't 6 foot and over, of course.
Same point to the K truck they posted many times before. Sumo wrestlers won't be in these suckers.
They work great if you're never driving over 40mph. I'm 6'1" and have driven a decent number of them in the Philippines. They shouldn't be allowed in the US unless they're stuck in a museum
@@veganpotterthevegan Not on the highway, but these trucks are great for farms and ranches.
@@_bakedbeans6970 I don't think you wanna drive this go cart on a farm
The whole reason my dad got a MGB GB back in 1972 was that it was the only sports car at the time that was a) affordable, and b) would fit his 6'3" frame. Back in the early 60's he'd had a Volvo P!800, but those were no longer in production by then.
The Datsun 240Z of that era had lots of head and legroom for tall drivers, and was affordable.
@@tenossos Just a pity it wasn't available in the Swedish market :) - but yes, that's deffo one on my bucket list. The lack of Lucas electrics is another bonus.
This should have been set to circus music🤣
I’m thinking Bennie Hill’s Yakety Sax 😂
This should have been a TFL documentary/comedy - epic epic trip! Hahaha!!! 😂
I agree! This Japan trip has been an absolute gold mine. I've really enjoyed every single video, and laughed quite a bit, too.
I alway thought the "Copen" stands for "Coupée & Open" 🤔
Anyway, you should take a look at the Suzuki Cappuccino (from the mid 90ies, it's been mentioned in earlier comments) which is also a Kei-car but it seems to offer a bit more space as you really get to push the seat a bit more towards the rear axle 🙄 ... plus: it's a rear wheel drive, the engine sits just behind the front axle (is that a mid-engine, by definition?) and it's a bit lighter as the roof does not come down automatically but you need to (literally) disassemble it and store the three panels in the trunk which is then quite full 😂. And - on top of it all - you can then turn it from a Targa into a Roadster by pivoting the roll-bar down and backwards while also hiding the rear window inside 👀.
Quite ingenious, really ...
Yep some cars are just meant to be adored from afar. I rode in the 1st Gen of one of these, while in Sapporo. Cute? Neat? Different? All Yes, but at 6'2 minus having the top down always. Wouldn't be practical just getting in or out. It reminded my of my BMW Isetta. As "cool" in that it was nerdy as all anything & tiny. 😂 just wasn't a car I'd keep. - Now would be neat & I think Tommy would nerd out in a huge way over reviewing a Tango 600! Which I so wanted, sadly only 100 so far built since '02 they're hard to come by.
Roman, you left your dignity in the front seat of that tiny car. Ha! There are some interesting, little cars over there, but so many of us could never fit.
Love it. I've got a Mira with an engine from the JB series like the Copen. So much fun!
Being 6'1" or so, long legs and bad knees/back (turning 70 this month) I was able to live with a '92 NA for six years (bought new, would tell people I could fit with vasoline and a running start) but then as the knee operations, neck fusion, etc. Miata wouldn't work, owned an '04 S2000 for a week and now reside in a manual C7 conv, which I enjoy but miss the "slow car drive fast" shifting which I don't need to do in the Vette (could start and stay in third all day long).
Just get a Geo metro convertible and you will have the same basic vehicle, but legal in the U.S. For more fun try the Geo Storm Gsi
Man, I’m under 6ft and I live in the city/suburbs. This would be a fantastic and efficient commuter for all weather. Much more efficient than my Silverado. 😅
I’m 6’2” and just got a Sambar. Love that little guy. Just do some research as there is probably a kei cat out there for you.
Wanna see a small Kei Kar? Take a look at the Daihatsu Midget II. I want one of those single seater Pickup Trucks lol.
If it were 2 below freezing I too would open the top of my 2 door Wrangler. I love the cold.
You'd love Winnipeg , yesterday morning it was -28c or 18 below zero f .
Between 2005-2011 they made an international version with a 1.3L engine, even came in left hand drive.
Should focus on driving a Honda Beat, it is surprisingly a bit roomy for its size and the screaming engine is loads of fun !
Love the Copen. It’s one of my favorite Daihatsu cars along with the Hijet and Rocky. Speaking of those latter two models, I hope you guys have a chance to review more of these real JDM cars.
plenty of room. its a SUMMER ONLY car if you are as tall as Roman though. and i believe the red thing is a flare, something like to signal if you are in trouble, i believe
Probably better in the summer without the thick jackets, but definitely pushing (past) the limits of acceptable comfort!
Omg y’all the intro I was crying laughing. 😂.
yes, I saw this car in Japan, and love to have one driving in a little town.
This car would be useful in a small town commuting or go to the store and back its cool👍🏼 but I wouldn't drive one looks unsafe 😂
Just as safe as a big yank tank... only better in every way
They seem to forget that women buy cars and there are plenty of women that would fit into this car easily. Not everyone is over six feet tall.
im 6ft tall and would buy this in a heartbeat of sold new in the usa
That may be true, but that doesn't make it a good thing that taller people don't fit in the car. Plus it's not like letting it be tall person friendly wouldn't ruin it for women.
Let's hope those short woman don't have any tall friends of any sex lol
Love these videos of the, K vehicles, guys!
kinda looks like a miniature Audi TT
especially the first gen in silver
I can't believe that tiny thing has a powered hard top! When Tommy went to open the top i fully expected it to be a manual.
This new Copen seems a bit cramped. The previous gen seemed more roomier. This was definitely a fun video just the same. I guess the sacrificed the space up front for the auto mechanism in the back. I still would love one of those Kei Sportscars just the same. Just maybe the older Copen. Much respect though, to see you guys having fun.
These are 2 6 feet tall guys
I only seen a couple of the early Daihatsu Copens in Australia and now l know why not good for tall people
I can’t imagine this car is any harder to get in and out of a Honda Beat, Suzuki Cappuccino, or Mazda Autozam AZ-1.
You should do a similar video with the autozam az1
The engine sounds like an angry kitten demanding more kibble.
I don't fit in the current generation of MX5 hardtops either. It looks like I'm getting in and out of a clown car.
Both of my dream cars are too small. I long for a WWII Jeep, also loved Honda CRX. I attempted to by a CRX twice. Couldn't fit sholder was out the window and in center of passengers seat. Very cool car but not for a 6'3" at the time 245lbs 12% bodyfat...
That thing is awesome!
Tommy, you are saying 'Keijidousha' （軽自動車）correctly. 'Kei （軽）' simply means 'light' (as in not heavy). However, if you were to describe something as being light, you would say that it is 'karui' （軽い). It is only 'kei' when the character is used in compound form and takes on a different reading. So when people are talking about 'kei' as in the cars, it is really an abbreviation. It is used as much in conversation in Japanese as it is in English, but is strictly ’keijidousha' as you have been correctly saying. Jidosha simply means vehicle or car.
Thank God Roman had a tucked in t-shirt.
I’d definitely rather have the Honda Beat or S660. Putting the engine in the rear gives you a more leg room.
I believe Honda also offers Beat parts through their dealers.
That’s a nice car I get one of those right now.
There was another version sold in Europe with a 1.3l 4 banger and 87 horsepower.
Why compare it to a giant car like a Miata? How big is it compared to an MG Midget?
I'm pretty sure the driver seat could go back 1-2 more inches.
I have been driving only manuals for over 50 years, but I don't think I could shift left handed.
I guess it's built for Oompa Loompas only 😁
Looks perfect for someone who is 5'6" and 120 lbs.
Best car for short kings! 👑
If Tommy didn't have that big puffy coat, he would have fit in much better. Summertime weather car.
At 5'7" I might actually fit comfortably in the Copen. What a fun little car...if you fit!
I really want a Copen. Good thing I am only 5' 10"
average Japanese human is about 5ft 7 inches 180 pounds. Just saying. It fits for them ,not for us big guys in North America
😅 like watching a shrimp molting. Just kidding.
Lovly review 👍I still remember when J.Clarckson of Top gear UK review this little sport car 👍
He called it an expensive shoe.🤣👍
Back in the 1990s, I lusted after the Suzuki Cappuccino. Better than the Honda Beat. Roman, you and Andrey are too large and in charge! You gotta be tiny!
If an NC PRHT and an Audi TT had a baby, then it stopped growing at 9. 😂
Suzuki Cappucinno
Similar
$20k not expensive for a kei car? You can get a Toyota Corolla for $22k.
It's still larger than any motorcycle including a Harley although riders sit taller on a bike.
Shoulda tried Porsche converted one 😂
I finally see why Tommy is the way he is. Roman has been hiding just how weird he is.
For 20 thousand, I would buy this new as my first new car instead of always buying used. I really wish we could buy these in the states.
its soo cute.. but it looks like you should be sitting like 18" further back .
why soo far forward?
ohh there is a huge top behind the driver...
I would truly hate to get in an accident in that car there’s no way he would make it through it. Cute little car but not for the American highways.
This is for us short kings
😂😂🤣 . . . that is funny!
This car would be perfect for my 8yo to drive.
Some things you just can't unsee! 😮 I'm going to need therapy.
If you crash, the crumple zone is your knees.
1:19 "Just got C-sectioned out" this car.
😂😂😂😂
Copen = coupe (hard top) + open
You look like Shaq on that car 😂
Reminds me of the Fiat spyder.
We need k trucks and cars in America
For anyone wondering. Daihatsu is owned by Toyota.
You Americans are clearly too big for these cars and your love for them doesn't make them bigger :)
I've driven my share of kei cars in Asia. I have no idea why any American would want one and they absolutely shouldn't be allowed on the roads in the US.
Needs a removable steering wheel.
It looks like a Lexus SC 430.
No case, great video!
When release in Japan for this Copen which can change all body panels and also exterior lights. Not sure the later version still have such option.
That looks like a Toyota MR two
You laugh!! Until it hits 80mph. You ain't laughing then.
Is it worse than Smart? 😆
Roman and Tommy coping with the Copan.
$20k, lol. You get such a better vehicle in the US for that amount of money.
The front and rear lights look like those on the Daihatsu Cast
Tom got some strange love for weird cars. Dream car really.
HAYABUSA SWAP!
stick to Saab Convertibles, you actually fit in them 🤣
Car looks like a pain in the neck :)
It hurts just looking at Roman!
Sales would be great in Munchkin Land.
Thats why its sold in japan
This Tiny Car Sedan To Only For The Short Asian People's Costumer Like Cambodia or Indonesia Native Tribe In A Isolated Remote Island 😅🚗🚘
I love little two seater sports cars. But at my height, that ain't happenin'. Back when the Miata first came out in the 90s, I had a friend and his wife buy one and then they went on vacation, leaving me with the car. And I said "The only reason you are leaving me with your pride and joy is that you know I can't take it anywhere. If the house caught on fire, I'd have to push the car away."
I wanted a Corvette until I drove one (C-7). Too low and too cramped.
An Audi TT born 3 months premature!
Put that roof down !!!
It should not remain forbidden. I love these smaller than Miata convertibles.
Would luuuv to have 1...but with 51 shoe and 191cm I guess I can keep on dreaming even though I drive a Brabus Smart Roadster and Brabus Smart ForFour