[Auto.] Daihatsu prepares a direct rival to assault the throne of the Mazda MX-5

[[M]anuel]

 

The MX-5 is the world reference when it comes to the segment of small convertible sports cars. After decades of living without direct rivals, Japan is already working on a rival that abandons its usual concept.

The sports car segment is not the most commercial of all. Sales are minority if we take into account other commercial niches such as SUVs, for example. However, they are an excellent showcase for brands. Cars that represent the best abilities of the manufacturers by being freed from certain rational constraints. The MX-5 is the best-selling sports car in the world. A small convertible that for decades has known how to dazzle drivers. Fed up with its success, Daihatsu has just launched the Vision Copen. A prototype that advances the lines of a two-seater sports car.

In 1989, Mazda presented a different car that followed the philosophical line of the traditional English roadster. A small sports car with a front-facing gasoline engine, manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. This recipe, as basic as it is pure, has been repeated millions of times over the years. Historically, the Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling sports car in the world. Its four generations now show that sales are not everything to create a unique brand image. Thinking of Mazda is immediately thinking of its small sports car.

 

 

That is what Daihatsu wants to replicate with its new bet. For those who don't know it, Copen also has its own particular history. Its original launch took place in 2002, with a second generation arriving in the course of 2014. Since then it has not been updated, but that does not mean that it is one of the most charismatic cars in the Far East. Its success is not only based on its design, but also on its format. The Copen is a key-car. A mini-car that barely reaches 3.4 meters and that is ideal in Japan for reasons of regulations and tax benefits.

It is very difficult to say that a car is sporty with that size and with only 86 horsepower, the maximum performance offered right now by the Copen. Despite its relative fame, Daihatsu has just presented a prototype that anticipates a radical change in mentality. The objective is to stand up to the MX-5, something that is not going to be easy considering its pedigree, but at least they are going to try. The Vision Copen grows significantly with respect to the commercial model that is currently on sale, reaching up to 3.83 meters in length. It is still an acceptable size and just 8 centimeters less than the Mazda.

 

Daihatsu prepara un rival directo para asaltar el trono del Mazda MX-5 (motor.es)