Daihatsu Copen

Model Overview

The Daihatsu Copen is a two-seater convertible sports car produced by Japan's Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., categorized under the Japanese Kei car (light vehicle) segment. Built around the "Fun To Drive" ethos, its lightweight body, retractable hardtop, and accessible pricing have made it a favourite entry-level roadster among younger buyers across Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Since its inception in 2002, the Copen has spanned two generations, registering cumulative global sales of around 110,000 units as of August 2025. In September 2025, Daihatsu announced that production of the current-generation Copen will officially conclude by late August 2026. In Japan, the line-up is offered in three variants: Robe, Cero, and GR SPORT, with prices ranging between RM60,000 and RM78,000.

Design Language

The first-generation Copen (2002–2012) was defined by its curvier, rounded silhouette, with its signature circular headlamps and power-folding hardtop drawing inspiration from the Nissan Figaro and Audi TT Roadster. This iconic styling earned it the prestigious German Red Dot Design Award. Following a facelift in 2006, a low-drag rear spoiler was integrated into its aerodynamic teardrop profile, giving it a sharper, sportier edge.

The second-generation Copen (2014 to present) took on a edgier, more sculpted design, introducing interchangeable exterior resin panels while strictly complying with Japanese Kei car dimension standards. In 2019, Daihatsu introduced the Copen GR Sport, tuned and enhanced by Toyota Gazoo Racing with a bespoke aero bodykit. The Vision Copen concept revealed at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show revived the classic round headlamps and clean proportions, offering a clear glimpse into the future styling direction of the nameplate.

Powertrain and Performance

In its domestic Japanese market, the Copen is powered by a Kei-spec 660cc turbocharged engine. The first-generation model utilised a 659cc inline-four 16-valve turbocharged unit (JB-DET), churning out 63 hp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of around 109 Nm. The second-generation model switched to a 660cc inline-three DOHC turbocharged powerplant, delivering a maximum output of 64 PS and 92 Nm of torque.

For export markets such as Europe, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, the Copen was equipped with a 1.3-litre inline-four DVVT naturally aspirated engine (K3-VE), producing 87 hp and a peak torque of 12.2 kg-m (around 120 Nm) at 4,400 rpm. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a CVT (continuously variable transmission), with the manual transmission in the GR SPORT specifically tuned for enthusiastic drivers. The first-gen Copen could sprint from 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds, returning an impressive combined fuel economy of 16.6 km/L.

Chassis and Handling

The Copen utilises a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FF) configuration. In terms of underpinnings, the first-generation model adopted a double-cross reinforced underbody and sports-tuned rear suspension bracing, significantly boosting structural rigidity. Suspension duties are handled by a front MacPherson strut setup and a rear torsion beam configuration. The second-generation model transitioned to the lightweight D-Frame monocoque chassis, offering three times the torsional and bending rigidity of its predecessor.

The GR Sport variant received dedicated performance tuning from Toyota Gazoo Racing, focusing primarily on dynamic handling: adding a front strut brace and underfloor centre brace to stiffen the chassis, fitting sport-tuned shock absorbers and re-engineered coil springs, and integrating an optimised Electric Power Steering (EPS) setup. It rides on high-performance 15-inch Bridgestone Potenza RE040 tyres.

Cabin and Equipment

Inside, the two-seater Copen features a driver-focused cockpit. The first-generation model came appointed with a three-spoke Momo sports steering wheel and heated leather bucket seats, trimmed in two-tone yellow/black or striking red leather. The second-generation model enhanced convenience and comfort with keyless entry, push-start ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, automatic climate control, a heated front windscreen, and carbon-fibre dashboard trim. The infotainment system supports CD-R/CD-RW, AAC, MP3, and WMA formats, complete with a four-speaker audio setup and USB connectivity. The GR Sport edition further levels up the cabin with factory Recaro sports seats and lightweight BBS forged alloy rims.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Copen achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, having undergone rigorous frontal, side-impact, and rollover tests. Standard safety kit includes ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Brake Assist (BA), an impact-sensing fuel cut-off system, and dual front SRS airbags. An updated model introduced in 2024 added modern Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Market Performance and Legacy

Since making its debut in 2002, the Copen has carved out a unique niche in the Kei roadster segment. With the Honda Beat retiring in the 1990s (and its mid-engine successor, the S660, offered between 2015 and 2022) and the Suzuki Cappuccino bowing out early, the Copen stands as the longest-running nameplate in its category. The first-generation Copen achieved cumulative sales of 58,391 units in Japan, alongside 8,053 export units, while the second-generation model surpassed the 10,000-unit milestone within just 11 months of its launch. By August 2025, global sales had breached the 110,000-unit mark.

The first-gen model was previously brought into Taiwan via sole distributor Join-Happy, while in Hong Kong, it retailed at around RM97,000. In 2019, a limited-run Copen Coupe was unveiled, capped at just 200 units worldwide and featuring a fixed carbon-fibre roof and BBS forged rims.

On 29 September 2025, Daihatsu confirmed that production of the current Copen will officially cease by the end of August 2026. Nonetheless, the marque has confirmed that an all-new Copen is currently in development—the Vision Copen concept shown in 2023 measures 3,835 mm in length, stepping beyond the restrictive Kei car dimensions and hinting at a potential evolution into a global compact rear-wheel-drive roadster aimed squarely at the Mazda MX-5.