Sydney show: Daihatsu's open-top Copen

THE tiny Copen metal-topped convertible appeared on Daihatsu's Sydney motor show stand again this year, but this time for its official on-sale launch and price confirmation.

Assisted by celebrity Sophie Monk, Daihatsu announced the 659cc roadster's base price at $29,990, while the upper-spec version with leather trim is $31,240.

That might seem pretty expensive but Daihatsu has compensated with plenty of gear - driver and passenger airbags, ABS, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, front foglights, power windows and CD/MP3 player.

Copen is powered by a 47kW/110Nm 660cc turbocharged four-cylinder engine.