Daihatsu’s pride and joy, the Copen, a light open sports car, is expected to undergo a long-awaited full model change in March 2027. The “K-OPEN Concept” unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 revealed the direction of the new Copen.
[2025 Latest] Daihatsu Copen to undergo full model change in March 2027
Initially, there were rumors that it would be upgraded to a standard car, but it was ultimately revealed that it would maintain the light vehicle standard. However, by making a bold change from FF to FR drivetrain, the driving performance as an open sports car will be dramatically improved.
Highlights of the new Copen | Summary of changes
Major changes
- Renewal of drive system : Change from FF (front-wheel drive) to FR (rear-wheel drive)
- A return to the design’s roots : Retro-modern style reminiscent of the original Copen
- Introduction of the latest technology : Digital meter, advanced infotainment system
- Maintaining light vehicle standards : A change in policy from the initial plan to convert to regular vehicles
- Extended wheelbase : Improved driving stability
- Lowered overall height : sportier proportions
Exterior design: Retro-modern style that pays homage to the original
New design revealed in the K-OPEN concept
The exterior design of the new Copen will feature a retro-modern style reminiscent of the first-generation Copen that was released in 2002. The popular interchangeable “DRESS parts” (Robe, Xplay, Cero) that were available on the previous model will be discontinued, and the car will be unified into a single design.
Inheriting the electrically operated “Active Top” roof
The Active Top, an electrically operated roof that is a symbol of light open-top cars, continues to be used. The roof can be opened or closed in just 20 seconds, allowing you to easily enjoy the fun of open-air driving.
The return of round headlights
There is a high possibility that the round headlight design that was popular in the first-generation Copen will be revived, and it is expected to have a look that combines cuteness and sportiness.
Body size: Improved driving performance while maintaining light vehicle standards
New Copen body size (estimated value)
- Overall length : 3,395mm (same as previous model)
- Overall width : 1,475mm (same as previous model)
- Overall height : 1,230mm (-50mm compared to previous model)
- Wheelbase : 2,265mm (+35mm compared to previous model)
- Vehicle weight : Around 850 kg (estimated)
The purpose of the size change
By lowering the overall height by 50mm, a lower center of gravity is achieved. By extending the wheelbase by 35mm, the space required for a FR layout is secured while improving driving stability. The design maximizes sports performance within the limits of minicar standards.
Interior design | High-quality two-seater cockpit
Equipped with the latest digital equipment
The interior of the new Copen maintains the two-seater layout, but features the latest digital meters and infotainment system, which intuitively conveys the information the driver needs and supports sporty driving.
Improved texture
The quality has been improved from the previous model, and we can expect a high-quality finish that goes beyond the scope of a minicar. The sports seats hold your body firmly even on winding roads.
Storage space ideas
Despite its limited space, it still has the storage space necessary for everyday use, achieving both the fun and practicality of an open-top car.
Powertrain: 660cc turbo engine x FR drive combination
Engine specs (estimated)
- Engine type : Inline 3-cylinder 660cc turbo
- Maximum output : 64ps (self-imposed limit)
- Maximum torque : 10.0 kgm (0.6 kgm more than the previous model)
- Transmission : 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic
- Drive system : FR (rear-wheel drive)
The revolutionary change from FF to FR
The biggest change is the adoption of a rear-wheel drive (FR) layout, which is extremely rare for a minicar. Although it is technically difficult to achieve a longitudinally mounted engine and FR layout within the limited body size of a minicar, Daihatsu has taken on the challenge.
Advantages of FR
- Optimized front-to-rear weight distribution : Approaching the ideal 50:50
- Improved driving feel : Steering feel is more natural
- Improved controllability : It is easier to control the vehicle’s position with the accelerator
- Pursuit of sports car-like qualities : Achieving authentic FR sports driving
transmission
The previous model’s 5-speed manual and 7-speed CVT are expected to be replaced with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The manual transmission will be sportier, while the automatic transmission will be changed from a CVT to a multi-speed automatic, allowing for a more direct driving feel.
Fuel efficiency: Maintains around 19km/L while prioritizing driving
WLTC mode fuel economy (estimated)
- 6-speed MT : around 18.5km/L
- 6-speed AT : around 19.0km/L
Although the shift to FR is expected to result in a slight increase in weight, the engine’s efficiency and aerodynamic improvements are expected to maintain fuel economy roughly on par with the previous model. These figures are excellent for a sports car.
Pricing | Expected starting price of 2.5 million yen
Expected price range of the new Copen
- Basic grade (MT) : From 2.5 million yen
- Basic grade (AT) : From 2.55 million yen
- High-grade (MT) : From 2.8 million yen
- High-grade (AT) : From 2.85 million yen
- GR SPORT grade (estimated) : from 3 million yen
Reasons for the price increase
The adoption of a new platform for the FR conversion and the inclusion of the latest equipment are expected to increase the price by approximately 500,000 yen from the previous model. However, compared to the Toyota GR86 (starting at approximately 3 million yen), which is also an FR sports car, the price is attractive, including the low maintenance costs unique to a minicar.
Reference: Price of previous model
- Robe CVT : 1.98 million yen
- Robe S CVT : 2.19 million yen
- Cero CVT : 2.04 million yen
- GR SPORT CVT : 2.5 million yen
Release date: Scheduled for release in March 2027
Development Schedule
- October 2023 : VISION COPEN announced at Japan Mobility Show 2023 (standard car version)
- October 2025 : K-OPEN concept unveiled at Japan Mobility Show 2025 (light vehicle version)
- Late 2026 : Advance information on the commercial model is scheduled to be released
- March 2027 : Official release
In addition to the “K-OPEN Concept,” the “K-OPEN Running Prototype” was also unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, confirming that development is progressing steadily.
Differences from VISION COPEN | Change in policy from standard car to light car
daihatsu vision copen concept
Initial plan to convert it into an ordinary car
The VISION COPEN, unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, was shown to be enlarged to the size of a standard car.
- Total length : 3,835mm (+440mm)
- Overall width : 1,695mm (+220mm)
- Overall height : 1,265mm (+35mm)
- Wheelbase : 2,415mm (+150mm)
- Engine : 1.3L inline 3-cylinder turbo (120ps/13.5kgm)
- Drive system : FR
Reasons for policy change to maintain light vehicle standards
- Re-examining market needs : Many Copen fans wanted a light vehicle standard
- Advantages in maintenance costs : Low maintenance costs such as light vehicle tax and insurance premiums are a major attraction
- Brand identity : Established position as a “light open sports car”
- Differentiation from competitors : There are many standard-size sports cars, but the light FR open car is unique
Comparison with rival cars | The FR open minicar is unique
Main rivals
Honda S660 (discontinued)
- 660cc turbo, MR, MT only
- Production will end in March 2022
- Used car prices are rising
Suzuki Cappuccino (discontinued)
- Production ended in 1998
- A strong fan base
- There are rumors of a successor model
Mazda Roadster
- 1.5L/2.0L engine, FR
- Price range: From approximately 2.8 million yen
- Standard car benchmark
Advantages of the new Copen
- The only FR open sports car among light vehicles (after the S660 production ended)
- Convenience of an electric roof (the Roadster has a manual top)
- Low maintenance costs (light vehicle tax, insurance premiums, etc.)
- Easy to handle (total length less than 3.4m)
History of the Copen | A light open sports car loved for over 20 years
First generation Copen (2002-2012)
- Model : L880K
- Release date : June 19, 2002
- Engine : Inline 4-cylinder 660cc turbo JB-DET
- Features : First electric roof “Active Top” for a light commercial vehicle
- Body color : Five-layer paint for a deep shine
- Sales period : 10-year long-life model
Second-generation Copen (2014-present)
- Model : LA400K
- Release date : June 19, 2014
- Engine : Inline 3-cylinder 660cc turbo KF type
- Features : Interchangeable “DRESS parts”
- Variations : Robe, Explay, and Cero
- Special edition models : GR SPORT (2022), 20th Anniversary model (2022)
D-Frame Structure and Dress-Formation
The second-generation Copen’s innovative D-Frame technology seamlessly connects the front, sides, rear, and floor, improving bending and torsional rigidity and ensuring high rigidity even when the top is down.
“Dress-Formation” is an innovative system that takes advantage of this sturdy framework to allow you to freely change the 11 exterior panel parts and lamps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When is the new Copen released?
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It is scheduled for release in March 2027, with an official announcement expected in late 2026.
- How much will it cost?
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The base grade is expected to start at around 2.5 million yen. With the FR configuration and the latest equipment, it is expected to be about 500,000 yen more expensive than the current model.
- Is it true that it will become a standard car?
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Although there were initial plans to make it a standard-sized vehicle, it was ultimately decided to maintain the light vehicle standard. It was unveiled as the K-OPEN concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2025.
- What are the benefits of FR?
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With optimized front/rear weight distribution, improved steering feel, and easier vehicle posture control through throttle work, you can enjoy the driving experience of a full-fledged sports car.
- Will you continue to be able to change your outfit using DRESS parts?
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The new model will have a single design, and the dress-up system using DRESS parts is expected to be abolished.
- Will the electric roof continue to be available?
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Yes, the Active Top (electrically retractable roof) will continue to be used.
- Is it being positioned as a successor to the Honda S660?
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The S660 will be discontinued in 2022, making the new Copen the only FR open sports car among light vehicles. However, the Copen has different characteristics from the S660 (MR layout), such as the adoption of an electric roof.
Summary | A new frontier for light vehicles: FR open
The full model change of the new Daihatsu Copen will see it evolve into a full-fledged sports car that pursues driving pleasure by adopting a FR layout, which is extremely unusual for a light vehicle.
By changing its policy from the initial plan to make it an ordinary car to maintaining the standards of a light vehicle, it is now possible to enjoy the driving performance of a genuine FR sports car while maintaining low maintenance costs and easy handling.
With just a year and a half until its release in March 2027, expectations are high for the mini sports car market to boom after production of the Honda S660 ends. We will update this page as soon as we have any further news, so be sure to bookmark it and check it out.
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