Daihatsu plans to fully redesign its Copen, a two-seater open sports car that meets the kei car standard, and release it in 2026. The new Copen is being developed based on the VISION COPEN concept model unveiled at the 2023 JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023, and a design application was submitted to the Japan Patent Office in March 2024. This time, it is likely to be jointly developed with Toyota, Daihatsu, and Suzuki. The previous model went on sale on June 19, 2014, and it was originally expected to be fully redesigned 12 years later, but due to Daihatsu’s fraud scandal, its release is expected to be around 2026.
About the new Daihatsu Copen (scheduled for release in 2026)
overview
- An open sports car that is scheduled to undergo a full model change around 2026.
- It is based on the concept model “VISION COPEN” unveiled at the “JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023” in 2023.
- Changed from light vehicle standards to standard vehicle standards.
- It shares its platform with the Toyota S-FR and Suzuki Cappuccino.
Exterior
- A retro-modern design reminiscent of the first-generation Copen.
- It inherits the electrically operated opening and closing roof “Active Top”.
- The body size has been increased to 3,835mm in length, 1,695mm in width, 1,265mm in height, and the wheelbase has been increased to 2,415mm.
interior
- The two-seater layout is maintained.
- The increased body size provides a spacious interior.
- It features the latest digital meter and infotainment system.
Powertrain
- It is equipped with a 1.3L in-line 3-cylinder gasoline engine.
- It delivers a maximum output of 120ps and a maximum torque of 13.5kgm.
- A 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission is available.
- The drive system is FR.
fuel economy
- The WLTC mode value is expected to be around 16km/L.
price
- It is expected to start at an affordable 2.5 million yen.
others
- Its rival is the Mazda Roadster.
- It serves as Daihatsu’s flagship model.
Daihatsu New “Copen” Full Model Change Exterior
This full model change will see the car evolve beyond the conventional light vehicle standard into a standard car. The body size will be enlarged to 3,835mm in length, 1,695mm in width, 1,265mm in height, and 2,415mm in wheelbase, and the engine displacement will be increased to 1,300cc.
The exterior design of the new Copen returns to a retro-modern style reminiscent of the first-generation Copen. The electrically retractable roof “Active Top” is retained, allowing you to enjoy the exhilaration of an open-air drive. The popular interchangeable exterior of the current model has been discontinued, and the car will be unified with a simple design reminiscent of the first-generation Copen.
Daihatsu New “Copen” Full Model Change Interior
The interior maintains the two-seater layout, but the expanded body size has made it more spacious. The latest digital meters and infotainment system are adopted, and the driver is greeted by an advanced cockpit.
Daihatsu’s new “Copen” full model change engine
The engine is a 1.3L in-line 3-cylinder gasoline engine that produces a maximum output of 120ps and a maximum torque of 13.5kgm. The transmission is a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, and the drive system is FR. By being freed from the light vehicle regulations, you can expect a more powerful driving performance.
Fuel economy is expected to be slightly lower than the current model due to the increased body size and engine displacement, with the WLTC mode figure expected to be around 16km/L.
Daihatsu New “Copen” Full Model Change Price
The price is expected to be higher than the current model due to the adoption of the latest equipment and powertrain. However, since the Toyota GR86, a FR sports car from the same group, has a starting price of less than 3 million yen, the new Copen may also start at around 2.5 million yen.
The new Copen plays an important role in enhancing Daihatsu’s presence as a sports model. By going beyond the boundaries of light vehicles and evolving into a standard car, it is expected to attract a wider range of users and contribute to improving the image of the Daihatsu brand.
Daihatsu New “Copen” Full Model Change Specifications
| Specifications | New Copen predictions |
|---|---|
| full length | 3,835mm |
| Overall width | 1,690mm |
| Overall height | 1,215mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,415mm |
| engine | 1.3L inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine |
| Maximum output | 120ps |
| Maximum torque | 13.5kgm |
| Drive system | 2WD (FF) 4WD |
| transmission | 6-speed MT/6-speed AT |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 16.0km/L |
| price | 2.5 million yen |
About VISION COPEN
While inheriting the classic style reminiscent of the first-generation Copen and the electrically retractable roof “Active Top,” the car proposes a new compact open sports car that maximizes the fun of driving by combining a FR layout with an internal combustion engine that takes advantage of CN fuel. Its specifications are not even those of a kei car model, with a total length of 3,835mm, total width of 1,695mm, total height of 1,265mm, wheelbase of 2,415mm, and engine displacement of 1,300cc.
The interior features a full digital LCD meter and the latest information system.
VISION COPEN
Thoughts on the VISION COPEN
The Copen is an open two-seater that meets the light vehicle standard. Light vehicle standards impose restrictions on size and power output, which may be a problem for those who want to enjoy the car as a sports model.
Personally, I would like to see development continue without the kei car standard. This would allow for a larger engine and more powerful suspension, making it a more enjoyable, authentic sports model. Perhaps that’s what parent company Toyota wants as well. The rival model will be Mazda’s Roadster (MX-5). Because the Roadster is not a kei car, there are no restrictions on size or power output. This is why it is popular in Japan and overseas as a more authentic sports model.
Mazda Roadster
About Daihatsu Copen
First generation
The Copen is Daihatsu’s first open-top car model since the Leeza Spyder, which was discontinued in 1993. It was exhibited as a concept car as the “KOPEN” at the 33rd Tokyo Motor Show 1999 on October 22, 1999.
The first generation L880K model was released on June 19, 2002. On August 2, 2010, some improvements were made and the special edition “Ultimate Edition S” was released. On April 2, 2012, the end of production was announced and the special edition “10th Anniversary Edition” was released.
First generation Copen
Second generation
On November 22, 2013, the “KOPEN” was exhibited as a concept car at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013. The second generation LA400K model went on sale on June 19, 2014. On November 19, 2014, the “Xplay,” a mass-produced model of the “Xmz,” went on sale. On December 24, 2014, the new grade “Robe S” was released. Specially designed BBS forged 16-inch aluminum wheels were added as a manufacturer option.
Second generation Copen
The COPEN GR SPORT CONCEPT, a collaboration model with Toyota Motor Corporation, was exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2019, which was held at Makuhari Messe from January 11, 2019 .
Toyota GR Copen
On October 15, 2019, the COPEN GR SPORT was announced and released as the fourth model of the COPEN GR SPORT CONCEPT. On June 19, 2022, to mark the 20th anniversary of the release of the first-generation model, information was released on a special edition 20th anniversary model based on the Cero, which will be released in September.
Copen 20th Anniversary Special Edition
What to expect from the new Copen
The new Copen is Daihatsu’s new flagship model, and great expectations are being placed on it. By going beyond the boundaries of light vehicle standards and evolving into a standard car, it has the potential to appeal to a wider range of users. We are already looking forward to seeing what kind of driving the new Copen, which is the product of Daihatsu’s technological prowess and passion, will deliver.
A word from the editorial department
With the new Copen, Daihatsu has gone beyond the boundaries of a minicar manufacturer and demonstrated its technological capabilities and passion for developing full-fledged sports cars. The new Copen will surely breathe new life into the Japanese automobile industry. We’ll be keeping a close eye on Daihatsu’s future developments.
Daihatsu news release
https://www.daihatsu.com/jp/news/2023/20231006-1.html
Copen
