End of Production and New Concept
Daihatsu announced that Copen production will cease next year, disappointing fans of this small kei car. However, just a few weeks later, the company presented a surprise at the Japan Mobility Show in the form of a concept that seems ready to inherit the Copen’s spirit.
Compact Size and Technical Features
The K-Open concept retains the compact proportions that defined the original Copen, distinguishing it from the larger Vision Copen shown in 2023. Daihatsu also confirmed the use of an internal combustion engine and a rear-wheel-drive layout, promising more agile handling compared to previous front-wheel-drive versions.
Exterior Design
Visually, the concept is inspired by the original Copen, showcasing a clean retro-modern design. The front features oval headlights and a more aggressive bumper. Vents on the hood and front fenders emphasize the sporty character, as do the elegant curves of the rear wings and the centrally located exhaust pipe.
Minimalist Interior
The interior of the two-seater roadster is a model of minimalism. There is no infotainment screen, only a curved digital instrument cluster behind the three-spoke steering wheel. The dashboard and center console have clean horizontal lines, complemented by metal inserts and a few touch controls, adhering to a light and uncluttered philosophy.
Most interior surfaces appear to be upholstered in Alcantara, and the seats with pronounced bolsters are made of a special fabric. The gear lever, which looks like a manual one, catches the eye, although only two pedals are visible. This might be a result of rendering where someone did not account for the pedal arrangement. The details are completed by a classic handbrake lever and thin fabric loops instead of conventional door handles.
Driving Pleasure
Although technical specifications have not been disclosed, Daihatsu claims the model remains true to the Copen’s mission – to provide “the thrill that only a kei car can give.” Regulations limit engine displacement to 660 cc, but a turbocharger is likely used to enhance performance. Combined with low weight and rear-wheel drive, this promises exciting dynamics despite modest power.
“It might be difficult to convey how impressive this is, but implementing rear-wheel drive in a car with a front engine and such a compact body is truly incredible. You need to place the engine low, carefully arrange the gearbox and driveshaft, and design the pedal layout so that everything fits perfectly into this body,” noted Toyota President and CEO Koji Sato.
He also mentioned that Chairman Akio Toyoda, serving as the chief test driver for Daihatsu, “will often break the Copen.” Sato acknowledged that developing such a car requires effort but added that he “can’t wait to see what this Copen will be like.”
Market Launch Prospects
Daihatsu does not specify exact timelines for the launch of the next-generation Copen, but its appearance seems inevitable within the next few years. Production of the current model will end in August 2026.
This concept not only continues the tradition of small yet emotional cars but also demonstrates how manufacturers adapt to modern demands while preserving key advantages of compactness and efficiency. Given the growing popularity of electric vehicles, retaining an internal combustion engine in this format could become a unique feature for a market seeking diversity. Furthermore, the emphasis on a rear-wheel-drive platform highlights the pursuit of driving pleasure, which is rarely combined with the kei car class.