FOR many drivers the Daihatsu Copen’s cute looks will be enough - for others, its exclusivity will clinch it.

Enthusiasts, meanwhile, will be seduced by its agile, involving handling and perky performance, according to Daihatsu.

The company has confirmed the 660 cc turbocharged Copen is officially coming to the UK with sales starting late November.

The good news follows successful engineering tests which confirm the car can be modified to pass European Whole Vehicle Type Approval regulations. Target price is between £12,000 and £14,000 depending on the final specification.

Production begins in September.

Initially intended for domestic production only, it was first seen in the UK at last year’s Birmingham International Motor Show. The Copen proved such a crowd-puller that 1,500 potential customers expressed an interest. This enthusiasm persuaded Daihatsu in Japan to investigate its export potential.