Daihatsu trio

It’s a hat-trick for Daihatsu! The Japan­ese maker unveiled three exciting new models in Frankfurt – a supermini, a city car and a striking roadster which previews the look of the next-generation Copen.

The dinky OFC-1 two-seater is nearly production-ready and features a fully functioning three-piece folding glass hard-top that incorporates liquid crystal sun visors. The lid takes less than 10 seconds to operate, and the compact design allows for more luggage space when folded than that of the current Copen.

Under the bonnet, there’s a turbocharged 658cc engine, mated to a seven-speed CVT gearbox, which emits 109.9g/km of CO2 and achieves 61mpg.

Greener still is the firm’s Heart & Smile Mover, which features Rolls-Royce Phantom-style barn doors. The aerodynamic city car has a smooth dual-hull underbody, similar to a catamaran, and rear-facing video cameras rather than door mirrors, both of which help to reduce drag.

These features, plus the show car’s stop-start technology, help the 658cc engine to return 69mpg, with 95g/km carbon dioxide emissions.

Daihatsu also unveiled a facelifted Sirion supermini at Frankfurt. Set to arrive in showrooms later this year, it has a fresh front bumper, as well as revised headlamps and redesigned rear suspension to deliver a more agile drive. In addition, the top-of-the-range SX variant will be available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine.