| Daihatsu Copen | |
|---|---|
 Second generation Daihatsu Copen | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Daihatsu |
| Production |
|
| Assembly | Japan:Ikeda,Osaka (Ikeda plant)[1][2] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei car (Japan) Sports car (international) |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Daihatsu Leeza Spider |
TheDaihatsu Copen (Japanese: ダイハツ・コペン,Daihatsu Kopen) is a 2-door convertiblekei car built by the Japanese car companyDaihatsu. It debuted at the1999 Tokyo Motor Show, as the Daihatsu Copen concept. The second generation model debuted as theKopen (Future Included) at the2013 Tokyo Motor Show.[3][4]
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | L880/L881 |
| Production | June 2002–September 2012 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-doorroadster |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,230 mm (87.8 in) |
| Length | 3,395 mm (133.7 in) |
| Width | 1,475 mm (58.1 in) |
| Height | 1,245 mm (49.0 in) |
| Curb weight | 810–830 kg (1,786–1,830 lb) |
The Copen was originally designed with a 660 ccturbocharged engine in order to meet Japanesekei car regulations. However, since this engine did not meet environmental emissions standards in several other countries, the Copen was fitted with a more powerful but cleaner 1.3-litre, naturally aspirated engine in these markets since October 2007. Styling was inspired by theNissan Figaro andAudi TT Roadster.[citation needed]
The leading characteristic of this model was the active top, a motorized hide-away hard roof. However, between 2002 and 2007 there existed a variation with a detachable top. This version was about 30 kg lighter than the regular model.[5]
The Copen was never built with left-hand-drive for the first four model years (2002-2005). The right-hand-drive Copen with the smaller 660cc engine was officially sold in Germany and some European countries from 2003 to 2005.[6][7] After lackluster sales in Germany for the right-hand-drive Copen, Daihatsu introduced a left-hand-drive version with a bigger, 1.3-litre engine for export markets. Given theL881 model code, this was first announced at2005 IAA Frankfurt along with the new ZZ trim level. The sales increased to 802 units for model year 2006.[8][9] A right-hand drive version of the 1.3-litre model was added in 2007 but was never sold in Japan. The sales number declined greatly from 2007 until the Copen was withdrawn from German market in the summer of 2011.[10][11] Daihatsu introduced 60 "Farewell Edition" (Abschiedsmodell) Copens in Germany.[12]
The Copen has been featured on the UK showTop Gear whereJames May attempted to find the best convertible car. The contestants were theMercedes-Benz CLK,Audi A4,Citroën C3 Pluriel,Volkswagen New Beetle, and the Copen. May loved the Copen, but he had one small problem: it felt "toy-ish".
On 13 January 2011, Daihatsu announced that it would withdraw the Copen from the European market in 2011 due to the increasing strength of the Japanese Yen and sharp decline in sales from 2006 to 2011.[13] Daihatsu announced on 2 April 2012 that the production for the Copen would cease in August 2012 with the final "10th Anniversary Edition" model, after over 56,000 examples of the first generation Copen had been built.[14] The 500 "10th Anniversary Edition" models were luxuriously appointed with leather upholstery and commemorative 10th Anniversary plate in the door openings.[15]
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
_front.jpg) Daihatsu Copen Robe | |
| Overview | |
| Model code | LA400 |
| Also called | Toyota Copen GR Sport (2019–present) |
| Production | June 2014–present |
| Designer | Hirofumi Wada[16] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,230 mm (87.8 in) |
| Length | 3,395 mm (133.7 in) |
| Width | 1,475 mm (58.1 in) |
| Height | 1,280 mm (50.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 850 kg (1,874 lb) (manual) 870 kg (1,918 lb) (CVT) |
Less than one year after the car's discontinuation, Daihatsu announced the Copen would be returning to production with a new model.[20] At the2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Daihatsu unveiled two Copen concept cars called theKopen, with the tagline "Future Included".[3][4] The name "Kopen" was a combination ofkei class car, and "open" for convertible roadster. The spelling was changed from "k" to "c" for "convertible". Production of the new model was announced on June 19, 2014.[21]
The Copen has been restyled to be more angular than its predecessor with a new monocoque chassis structure called a D-Frame. The structure allows owners to select the interior and exterior design of the car according to their preferences.[22] The body panels are made of 13 separate resin components, 11 of which are interchangeable to modify design and colours. The Copen also features a new suspension system, a new 660cc turbo three-cylinder engine with DVVT[citation needed], better sounding exhaust system and weight reduction.[21][23] In Japan, models sold initially were Copen XPLAY, Copen Robe and a special S type for the Copen Robe. Copen XPLAY sales was discontinued in August 2024.[24]
For theGran Turismo Sport video game, a specially tuned model called theDaihatsu Copen RJ Vision Gran Turismo was included as part of the series'Vision Gran Turismo program of concept cars.
The Copen Robe was officially exported to Indonesia and sold between 2015 and 2019.[25]
In 2015, Daihatsu launched the Copen Cero; with its round headlights and taillights it is similar in form to the first-generation model.[26]
At the 2019Tokyo Auto Salon, Daihatsu unveiled the Copen Coupe, a fixed-roofcoupé version of the Copen Cero. TheCFRP roof features an optional sunroof. Standard features include aMomo leather wrapped steering wheel,limited-slip differential,BBS aluminum wheels, and serialized plates on the centre console. Options include a sports muffler andHKS suspension. Daihatsu produced a limited run of 200 units in April 2019 to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the second generation Copen.[17][18]
The CopenGR Sport went on sale on October 15, 2019. It is sold under both Daihatsu andToyota dealership networks (as the Toyota Copen GR Sport).[27][28] This variant neither carries a Daihatsu nor Toyota logo, a neutral oval-shaped 'C' Copen logo is used instead for the front and rear badging. The Copen GR Sport gets sporty exterior looks with BBS wheels, aMomo-branded steering wheel and a specially tuned suspension for body rigidity.[29]
On 29 September, 2025, Toyota announced that it would end production of the Copen GR Sport, a light open sports car that it sells under anOEM agreement with Daihatsu, in August 2026.[30]
_Daihatsu_KOPEN_FUTURE_INCLUDED.JPG)
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_-_Daihatsu_COPEN_Coupe_(DBA-LA400K-KMPZ).jpg)
_GR_SPORT%2c_CVT%2c_2021%2c_front.jpg)
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The Vision Copen is arear-wheel-drive concept car showcased at the2023 Japan Mobility Show. According to Daihatsu, it is powered by acarbon-neutral 1.3-litre engine.[31]
The K-Open showcased at the2025 Japan Mobility Show. It is a further development of 2023 Vision Copen. The K-Open shorter than the Vision Copen at 3,395 mm long and 1,475 mm wide. The new wheelbase of 2,265 mm is 150 mm shorter than the previous, Vision Concept. The biggest difference is that the grille in the Vision Concept has been deleted for the K-Open, which has a lower grille below the number plate instead. Flanking it are vertical LED light bars. The same look is mirrored at the rear, which is typically Copen.[32]
Like the Copen concept car that was exhibited in 2013, The name "K-open" was a combination of kei class car, and "Open" for convertible roadster.[33]
Prior to its release, Daihatsu sets monthly sales target for the Copen at 500 units. The Copen managed to exceed its target in the first five annual sale years. However, it underperformed in the later years, except in 2015.
| Year | Japan[34] |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 6,248 |
| 2003 | 10,838 |
| 2004 | 7,138 |
| 2005 | 6,410 |
| 2006 | 6,190 |
| 2007 | 5,703 |
| 2008 | 5,997 |
| 2009 | 3,322 |
| 2010 | 2,490 |
| 2011 | 2,006 |
| 2012 | 1,979 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 5,691 |
| 2015 | 7,274 |
| 2016 | 5,152 |
| 2017 | 2,853 |
| 2018 | 3,170 |
| 2019 | 3,822 |
| 2020 | 2,829 |
| 2021 | 3,454 |
| 2022 | 4,793 |
| 2023 | 4,655 |
| 2024 | 2,776 |
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