Daihatsu · 2002–2026

Daihatsu Copen

The Daihatsu Copen (Japanese: ダイハツ・コペン, Daihatsu Kopen) is a 2-door convertible kei car built by the Japanese car company Daihatsu. It debuted at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, as the Daihatsu Copen concept. The second generation model debuted as the Kopen (Future Included) at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Daihatsu Leeza Spider

All Daihatsu Copen data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

First generation (L880; 2002 / L881; 2007)

The Copen was originally designed with a 660 cc turbocharged engine in order to meet Japanese kei 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 the Nissan Figaro and Audi TT Roadster. The leading characteristic of this model was the active top, a motorized hide-away hard roof. However, On 19 June 2002, there existed a variation with a detachable top. This version was about 30 kg lighter than the regular model. The detachable top variant was dropped in mid-2007. 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. 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 the L881 model code, this was first announced at 2005 IAA Frankfurt along with the new ZZ trim level. The sales increased to 802 units for model year 2006. 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 The sales number declined greatly from 2007 until the Copen was withdrawn from German market in the summer of 2011. Daihatsu introduced 60 "Farewell Edition" (Abschiedsmodell) Copens in Germany. The Copen has been featured on the UK show Top Gear where James May attempted to find the best convertible car. The contestants were the Mercedes-Benz CLK, Audi A4, Citroën C3 Pluriel, Volkswagen New Beetle, and the Copen. May loved the Copen, but he had one small

Second generation (LA400; 2014)

Less than one year after the car's discontinuation, Daihatsu announced the Copen would be returning to production with a new model. At the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Daihatsu unveiled two Copen concept cars called the Kopen, with the tagline "Future Included". The name "Kopen" was a combination of kei 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 19 June 2014. 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. 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 (Dynamic Variable Valve Timing) better sounding exhaust system and weight reduction. In Japan, models sold initially were Copen XPLAY, Copen Robe and a special S for all two Copen Variants. Copen XPLAY sales was discontinued in August 2024. For the Gran Turismo Sport video game, a specially tuned model called the Daihatsu Copen RJ Vision Gran Turismo was included as part of the series' Vision Gran Turismo program of concept cars. In June 2015, a factory option called the Dress Formation was added. The Dress Formation involves using 12 exterior parts, including the headlights and taillights—to transform the vehicle into the Copen Cero or Robe. The "Dress-Formation" allows for easy design changes by swapping out exterior components. Options to modify only the front or rear fascia are also available. On 29 September 2025, Toyota announced that it would end production

Specifications

=== 2002–2012 Japanese and international markets === JB-DETi engine 0.66L (659 cc) 16 valves turbo DOHC 4 cylinder Power — 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp) @ 6000 rpm Power — 50 kW (68 PS; 67 hp) @ 6000 rpm for UK market Torque — 110 N⋅m (81 lb⋅ft) @ 3200 rpm Torque — 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft) for UK market Top speed — 170 km/h (110 mph) UK version (MT) Top speed — 167 km/h (104 mph) Japanese version (MT) Top speed — 162 km/h (101 mph) UK version (AT) Top speed — 159 km/h (99 mph) Japanese version (AT) Combined fuel consumption — 5.4 L/100 km (52 mpg‑imp; 44 mpg‑US) 0–62 mph time — 11.7s (MT) 2006–2011 international markets, not available in Japan. K3-VE engine 1.3L DVVT engine DOHC 16 valve Power — 64 kW (87 PS; 86 hp) @ 6000 rpm Torque — 120 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) @ 4400 rpm Top speed — 180 km/h (110 mph) (MT) Top speed — 172 km/h (107 mph) (AT) Combined fuel consumption — 6 L/100 km (47 mpg‑imp; 39 mpg‑US) 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time — 9.5s (MT) 2014–2026 Japanese market model. KF engine 658cc 3 cylinder 12-valve DOHC intercooled turbocharged Compression ratio — 9.5 Power — 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp) at 6400 rpm Torque — 92 N⋅m (68 lb⋅ft) at 3200 rpm Combined fuel consumption — 4.5 L/100 km (63 mpg‑imp; 52 mpg‑US) (MT) or 4 L/100 km (71 mpg‑imp; 59 mpg‑US) (AT) Transmission Manual — KPMZ 5-speed with ratios 3.181, 1.842, 1.250, 0.916, and 0.750. Final reduction, 5.545. Tires: 165/50R16. Automatic — KBPZ CVT with ratio 3.327 to 0.628. Final reduction, 4.800. Tires: 165/50R16. Body Layout — Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Weight — 850 kg (MT) or 870 kg (AT) Wheelbase — 2,230 mm (88 in)

Vision Copen (2023)

The Vision Copen is a concept car showcased at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. According to Daihatsu, it is powered by a carbon-neutral 1.3-litre engine. The extrerior of the Vision Copen closely resembles the first generation Copen. As a lightweight two-seater sports car, the car measures 3,835 mm (151.0 in) in length, 1,695 mm (66.7 in) in width, and 1,265 mm (49.8 in) in height, significantly larger than the existing Copen as the convertible kei car. As with existing Copen models, the Active Top System remains available.

K-Open (2025)

The K-Open was first presented in October 2025 at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. It is a further development of 2023 Vision Copen. The K-Open shorter than the Vision Copen at 3,395 mm (133.7 in) long and 1,475 mm (58.1 in) wide. The new wheelbase of 2,265 mm (89.2 in) is 150 mm shorter than the previous, the 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. 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. K-Open Running prototype. The K-OPEN Running prototype was unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show Nagoya along with K-OPEN concept. The body dimensions is the same as the K-OPEN, but this one has a wheelbase of 2,230 mm (87.8 in), shorter than K-OPEN concept model. Unlike the K-Open, which is a pure concept model, the Running Prototype is a study vehicle based on the production model Copen. In 2026 a is a further development of the K-OPEN Running prototype called the Running prototype 2 which was unveiled in 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon. The main difference is that the Running Prototype 2 is engine is placed in the front-mid position.

Sales

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.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Daihatsu Copen

Manufacturer

Daihatsu

Production

June 2002–September 2012, June 2014–August 2026

Assembly

Japan: Ikeda, Osaka (Ikeda plant)

Class

Kei car (Japan), Sports car (international)

Layout

Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

Predecessor

Daihatsu Leeza Spider

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1149475CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daihatsu_CopenCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1377372758 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Daihatsu_Copen_Cero.jpgCC0 · Photo: TTTNIS · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Manufacturer website (link only) — https://copen.jp/Link only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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