Daihatsu Fourtrak (1984-2002) Car Review

Drive along any country lane and youÕre bound to spot one: thereÕs no doubt that the Daihatsu Fourtrak is the country-dweller's favourite 4x4. The reasons are simple. This unassuming mud-plugger is competitively priced, as tough as old boots and extremely competent in the rough. The rather basic original model was not endowed with the most appealing road manners. However, this problem was addressed in 1993 with the introduction of an independent suspension system, which did wonders for its road-going ability. At the same time, the whole range benefited from an extensive revamp and the appropriately named ÔIndependentÕ trim level was introduced to help the Fourtrak appeal to a wider audience. The ruggedness, which was the biggest appeal of the original, is still there though. The Fourtrak will seat the family, carry the odd chest of drawers and sail through a ploughed field as well as whisk you down to the local wine bar on a Friday night.

History
The first Fourtraks arrived in the UK way back in 1984 and offered basic off-road petrol and diesel-powered transport in short wheelbase three-door form. For a few years (1985-1988) they were joined by Soft Top versions, but the derivatives weÕre looking at here are the sturdy yet stylish Estates.
In 1990, all models were treated to uprated brakes, exhausts and transmissions. A year later the range was revised again and all models gained restyled bodywork, extended wheel arches, bigger bumpers and little luxuries such as electric windows and central locking. A 90bhp 2.2-litre petrol derivative arrived in June 1992 to compliment the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.8-litre turbo diesel engines already on offer.
The most significant changes didnÕt occur until a year later though. Early models had a harsh ride caused by their old-fashioned leaf sprung suspension, and this was addressed in 1993 with the a new suspension set-up. The `Independent` suspension system did wonders for the road-going ability, its double wishbone set-up at the front and five-link coil-spring suspension at the rear meant potholes would no longer shake your fillings out. The same year saw the introduction of a pair of seven-seater versions, the 2.8 TDL and TDX and the demise of the less popular petrol-engined derivatives.
Later revisions improved noise and vibration, and safety has been a priority too. The car looks more aggressive than it did when it was originally launched. Later versions are some 110mm wider than their predecessors and boast wider wheelarches as well as sleeker bumpers and a revised grille. Inside, there's a user-friendly instrument binnacle, while the driver and front seat passengers benefit from bucket-style seats with integral head restraints.

Opinion
All the latest Fourtrak models come with power steering, selectable two or four-wheel drive and an immobiliser security system. Inside, the cars are fitted with a substantial rear roll-over bar which provides mountings for three-point inertia-reel seat belts for rear seat passengers. There are also two (rather uncomfortable) occasional seats in the rear in the long wheelbase models to increase the carrying capacity to seven.
Higher up the range, the TDL-SE is another seven-seater with a healthy dose of equipment. This runs to electric windows, central locking, a four-speaker stereo, an adjustable steering column and additional instrumentation. If you want more, the Fourtrak TDX has colour-coded wheelarch extensions and unique alloy wheels. Gadgetry on the flagship TDX includes electronic 4WD engagement, electric mirrors, power headlamp washers and an RDS stereo system.
If you choose a model thatÕs fitted with the torquey 2.8-litre intercooled turbo diesel unit, youÕll also get a hefty 3,500kg towing capacity.

Cost
The best course of action, if you can afford it, is to stick with the post-1993 Independent machines, but you do have to pay more for their improved ride and specification. A 1993L TDX Independent 2.8 is likely to set you back around £1,800, while a slightly lower spec TDL Independent should start at about £1,500.
Alternatively you could take the newer route Ð after all, the Fourtrak is seen by many as a more affordable alternative to a Land Rover. A 2000X-reg TDL Independent should start at £6,600 and a TDX Independent will set you back around £8,800 on 2002 plates. For SE versions, add around £500-£1000 to these figures depending on age and condition.

Problems?
These capable workhorses are likely to be used for serious off-roading, so itÕs advisable to check the bodywork, suspension and chassis for damage. Particular areas that need attention are differentials, gearbox and engine.
Faulty or damaged turbos can be expensive to repair, so have the engine checked out by an expert if youÕre unsure.

Parts
Parts prices are relatively low for an Oriental make. A brake master cylinder will be around £85, front shock absorbers will be roughly £25 and a clutch disc will be only just over £50. All these prices exclude VAT.

Road
As already mentioned, post 1993 cars are better on-road. That said, donÕt expect car-like manners: the ride is still rather bouncy on the tarmac. Off-road itÕs a different matter though: the Fourtrak is one of the most capable small 4x4s around with good ground clearance. It will clamber up a rocky outcrop almost as well as a mountain goat, or even wade through a raging river. If all this sounds a little too extreme for your needs, donÕt worry: the Fourtrak is just as good at getting you safely off a waterlogged school playing field.

Overall
The 2.8 turbo diesel versions are well equipped, sturdy and have even gained rather stylish looks in recent years. All in all, they provide a good, affordable alternative to a Land Rover.

By CLAIRE EVANS.

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Daihatsu Copen (2003-To Date) Car Review

When shopping for a used roadster, most buyers like to play it safe. TheyÕll look at a Mazda MX-5, an MG TF or possibly a Fiat Barchetta if theyÕre feeling a bit adventurous. The trouble is, thereÕs a whole lot more fun to be had if you could just broaden your view a little. Those who do a lot of city driving will often find these cars straining at the leash a bit in town, often resembling energetic dogs that just want a bit of space. Better to choose something that can take the cut and thrust of city traffic in its stride and offer the added security of a hard-topped roof. ThatÕs where DaihatsuÕs Copen comes in. You may never have heard of it and if thatÕs the case, youÕre forgiven. ItÕs not been a sales hit in the UK and as a result, used buyers can snap up some low mileage bargains.

History
We have Japanese K-car regulations to thank for the Daihatsu Copen. The same set of taxation rules that brought us fun tots like the Honda Beat and the Suzuki Cappuccino have given us a car that offers the same recipe but updated for a post millennial clientele. The first K-car to be imported with a folding hard top, the Copen was a little more expensive than other cars of its ilk but some customers reckoned it worth the additional outlay for the benefits in safety and security the metal roof bestows.
Introduced in June 2003, the Copen has been largely unchanged since launch. In July 2004 a Vivid limited edition model was offered, featuring red paintwork, heated cloth seats, a leather Momo steering wheel and a rear tonneau. This retailed at £12,995 on the road. The original 660cc engine was replaced in the spring of 2007 with a less buzzy 1.3-litre unit. This delivered better economy and performance, prices were under £11,000.

Opinion
The Copen looks good value, especially when one considers that many of its customer base will be young professionals looking for a second or even third car. It may well prove a little too cutesy for some, but with only 1,000 cars imported per year, thereÕs still an element of exclusivity about this car. You might expect said element of exclusivity to prop up residual values nicely, but the fact that the Copen has been on sale in Japan for a while and is priced from around £8,000 means that a few have reached these shores as grey imports but not in the sort of numbers to seriously undermine the carÕs UK valuations. Importers know that there is other fare that will sell far more easily than the quirky Daihatsu.
The CopenÕs chassis is based on a truncated version of the Cuore hatch and it feels agreeably stiff, the seat of the pants driving position giving the little Daihatsu a genuine sports car feel, although the Momo steering wheel may be a little too large for those with prop forward thighs. The gearbox is fun to snick the lever through and overall packaging is helped by the fact that the Copen utilises a compact front-wheel drive layout. At just 3,395mm long, it is simplicity itself to nuzzle into a tight parking spot.
The roof is the CopenÕs party piece and the car looks good with the hardtop folded or deployed. Fabricated from aluminium, itÕs a lightweight structure and it flips neatly up and down, courtesy of a series of electric motors, in 25 seconds. There are two catches on the header rail to flip and then a dash-mounted button does the rest. WhatÕs more, a proper metal roof makes a lot of sense in the city proving a less tempting target for knife-wielding idiots. A more basic version of the roof is offered in Japan which may well help to explain some of the price differential, watch out for imported models featuring it. The interior is nicely, if a little unadventurously, styled and features a compartment behind the seats for odds and ends. Otherwise the boot space is briefcase-sized, due to the fact that the roof ÔcassetteÕ impinges into the luggage bay. If you commit to driving with the roof up, youÕll achieve more room.

Cost
Prices for the Copen start at £8,100 for a 53 plate car with around 29,000 miles showing on the clock. ThatÕs the book price at least. In reality, the prices will vary quite significantly, often because these cars tend to cover less than the usual 12,000 miles a year annual mileage. YouÕll need around £8,700 for an 04-plated model. Vivid special editions kick off at £9,000 for a 54 plated car. Insurance for all Copens is a very reasonable Group 9.

Problems?
The Copen is a tough little thing but the big ticket item in case of a fault is that folding hard top. Raise and lower it several times. Check the seals, check that it sits squarely in the boot cassette and ensure that it hasnÕt been damaged in any other way. Aside from that, precious little problems have been reported. Check the alloy wheels for kerbing and make sure the log book is well stamped up. These cars run better on 98 RON petrol than standard 95, the difference feeling quite marked in terms of outright performance.

Parts
(Estimated prices) A clutch assembly will cost around £130, and the front brake pads approximately £50. A radiator will be in the region of £145, and an alternator £220. A broken starter motor will require £260 to replace.

Road
The Copen manages to pack a lot of goodies into a tiny footprint but the tape measure dictates that it will always feel very comfy for two, especially for bulky western shoulders. Head and legroom isnÕt such an issue and the pedal box is surprisingly spacious. Luggage room is at a premium, but the Copen is never going to be a car youÕd plump for if you were planning a fortnight away.
Its 660cc engine fizzes, whooshes and zings all the way to 8,000rpm, a bobbin-sized turbocharger helping the tiny powerplant develop 63bhp. True, thatÕs not going to generate retina-detaching acceleration but due to the fact that the Copen weighs less than some cars ownerÕs manuals, it will sprint to 60mph in an acceptably brisk 11.7 seconds before topping out over 100mph. ItÕs well up to the cut and thrust of a motorway journey, although on longer inclines you may have to drop a gear in order to realise some meaningful acceleration. It feels astonishingly vivid at normal speeds, the constant chattering of that engine giving the impression that itÕs travelling a good deal quicker than it is. Zip the Copen along a set of country lanes and youÕll feel as if youÕre achieving some heroic velocities only to realise thereÕs a Kia Pride in the dinky rear view mirror impatiently trying to get past. ItÕs huge fun.

Overall
If youÕre prepared to think outside the box a little, a used Daihatsu Copen could be a smart solution. ItÕs got just enough about it to satisfy those who enjoy driving but wonÕt punish you during the sort of city trips that many of us have to put up with. As long as you donÕt take yourself too seriously, the Copen offers a fun, vaguely exotic, alternative to more prosaic roadster offerings.

By ANDY ENRIGHT.