Small Car, Big Heart: The Complete Evolution of the Daihatsu Copen

In the vast and varied world of automotive design, Japan’s kei car category stands as a testament to ingenuity born from constraint. These microcars, governed by strict regulations on size and engine displacement, are typically exercises in maximizing interior space and fuel efficiency, often resulting in charming but decidedly practical, boxy vehicles. Yet, within this landscape of pragmatism, one car has consistently dared to be different, injecting a dose of pure, unadulterated fun: the Daihatsu Copen. A two-seater roadster with a retractable hardtop, the Copen is a marvel of packaging and a giant in spirit, proving that driving pleasure isn’t measured in horsepower or physical footprint. Its evolution from a quirky concept to a customizable, modern icon is a fascinating journey through automotive passion and clever engineering.

The Genesis: The Kopen Concepts (1999)

The story of the Copen begins not with a production car, but with a collection of concepts at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show. Daihatsu, a master of the small car, unveiled its vision for a kei-class convertible under the name “Kopen” (a portmanteau of Kei-class open car). It wasn’t just one car, but a showcase of potential directions. The concepts featured the now-iconic rounded, friendly fascia with large circular headlamps, but each had a different personality—one styled as a classic roadster, another as a futuristic coupe, and even a rugged, off-road inspired variant. The public reaction was overwhelmingly positive. In a market saturated with sensible city cars, the idea of an affordable, stylish, and fun-to-drive micro-roadster was an instant hit. Daihatsu listened, and the path to production was set.

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First Generation (L880K): The Original Icon (2002–2012)

After refining the concept, Daihatsu launched the first-generation Copen in Japan in June 2002, with the model code L880K. The production car stayed remarkably true to the most popular concept, retaining its cheerful, almost cartoonish good looks, diminutive proportions, and, most importantly, its innovative retractable hardtop.

The Engineering Marvel: Active Top and Drivetrain The Copen’s party piece was its electrically operated aluminium hardtop, which Daihatsu dubbed the “Active Top.” At the touch of a button, the roof would elegantly fold itself into the boot in around 20 seconds. This feature was typically reserved for premium European convertibles, and its inclusion in a kei car was nothing short of revolutionary, offering the security and refinement of a coupe with the open-air freedom of a roadster.

Under the bonnet, the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Copen was powered by a truly special engine: the JB-DETI. This was a 659cc, twin-cam, 16-valve, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The four-cylinder configuration was unusual for a kei car (most used three-cylinders for cost and packaging reasons) and gave the Copen a remarkably smooth and high-revving character. It produced the kei class maximum of 63 horsepower (47 kW), but its eager delivery and sporty exhaust note made it feel much livelier. Power was sent to the front wheels through either a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic.

Models and Trim Levels (JDM – L880K)

• Active Top: This was the standard and most common model, featuring the signature retractable hardtop. It came with standard features like air conditioning, power windows, and 15-inch alloy wheels.
• Detachable Top: For a brief period, Daihatsu offered a purist-focused, lower-cost version with a manually removable resin hardtop roof. This model was about 30kg lighter than the Active Top version, offering a slightly more connected driving experience at the expense of convenience. It is now a rare and sought-after variant.

Throughout its ten-year production run, Daihatsu released several special editions to maintain interest, often enhancing the car’s premium feel and sporting credentials.

• Ultimate Edition (2006): This marked a significant step up in luxury and performance. It included Bilstein shock absorbers for tauter handling, stylish BBS forged alloy wheels, a MOMO leather-wrapped steering wheel, and supportive Recaro sports seats with leather upholstery.
• Ultimate Edition II (2007): Building on the first, this edition added features like a tan leather interior option and further refined trim details.
• Ultimate Edition S (2009): Considered the pinnacle of the L880K, the “S” variant featured the Bilstein/BBS/MOMO/Recaro package as standard, along with clear side indicators and other subtle aesthetic tweaks.
• 10th Anniversary Edition (2012): To celebrate the end of a successful decade, Daihatsu produced a final commemorative edition. It was based on the Ultimate Edition S and featured a unique serial-numbered plaque, black leather seats with red stitching, and exclusive 10th-anniversary badging, serving as a fitting farewell to the beloved original.

The Export Model: The 1.3L Copen Recognising the Copen’s international appeal, Daihatsu began exporting it in 2004. However, the 659cc engine did not meet European emissions standards and was considered underpowered for international tastes. To solve this, Daihatsu engineered a version fitted with a naturally-aspirated 1.3L K3-VE four-cylinder engine, the same unit found in the Daihatsu Sirion and YRV. This engine produced a more robust 86 horsepower (64 kW) and gave the Copen significantly more torque, making it a more capable performer on faster roads.

This export version was sold primarily in the UK, Europe, and Australia. Critically, Daihatsu never developed a left-hand drive version, limiting its market penetration to RHD countries. Despite this, it gained a cult following, praised by critics for its go-kart-like handling and unique charm. Production of all L880K models ceased in 2012, leaving a void in the micro-roadster market and fans eagerly anticipating what would come next.

Second Generation (LA400K): The Era of Customization (2014–Present)

After a two-year hiatus, Daihatsu resurrected the Copen in 2014 with the launch of the second-generation LA400K. While the spirit of the original remained, the philosophy behind the new model was radically different. The key concept was “Dress-Formation”—a revolutionary system allowing owners to personalize their car like never before.

D-Frame and Dress-Formation The LA400K is built on a highly rigid monocoque chassis that Daihatsu calls the “D-Frame.” This new structure is significantly stiffer than its predecessor, providing a more stable platform for improved handling and ride comfort. Crucially, the exterior body panels are not structural. They are made from 13 separate lightweight resin pieces that can be easily removed and swapped. This means an owner could, in theory, buy one Copen and change its entire appearance—from the front bumper and headlights to the doors and rear fenders—at a dealership.

The engine reverted to a more conventional kei car setup: a 659cc KF-VET three-cylinder turbocharged engine. While down one cylinder from the original, this modern powerplant is more fuel-efficient and provides ample low-down torque, making it lively and responsive. It produces the regulation 63 hp and is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT with paddle shifters.

The Three Personalities: Robe, XPLAY, and Cero Instead of traditional trim levels, the LA400K was launched with distinct “personalities,” each with its own unique set of “Dress-Formation” panels.

• Copen Robe (2014): The launch model and the standard-bearer for the new generation. The Robe features a sleek, modern, and aggressive design with sweeping lines, sharp creases, and distinctive LED headlamps that wrap around the front fenders. It represents a clean break from the retro styling of the first generation.
• Copen XPLAY (2014): Released shortly after the Robe, the XPLAY (pronounced “Cross-Play”) is a funky, crossover-inspired take on the Copen. It features rugged, unpainted black plastic cladding on the bumpers and wheel arches, with an angular, almost geometric design language. It was designed to appeal to a younger, more adventurous buyer.
• Copen Cero (2015): A year later, Daihatsu catered directly to fans of the original L880K with the Copen Cero. The Cero (from the Spanish for “zero,” signifying a return to the start) features round “bi-angle” LED headlights and taillights, perfectly evoking the friendly face of its predecessor. It offers the modern engineering of the LA400K with the classic, beloved styling of the original, proving to be an immensely popular choice.

The Performance Flagship: Copen GR Sport (2019) In 2019, a truly exciting development occurred. Following Toyota’s acquisition of a controlling stake in Daihatsu, the Copen received a high-performance variant tuned by Toyota’s own motorsport division, Gazoo Racing. The Copen GR Sport is more than just an appearance package. Gazoo Racing engineers heavily reworked the chassis, adding a front brace and a redesigned center brace to further increase rigidity. The suspension was given a dedicated GR tune with new shock absorbers and springs for sharper handling and better feedback. The electric power steering was also retuned for a more direct feel.

Visually, the GR Sport is distinguished by a functional “Functional Matrix” grille, aggressive front and rear bumpers, dark-smoked LED lights, and unique forged BBS wheels. Inside, it boasts Recaro sports seats with GR branding and a MOMO steering wheel. Available for all three body styles (Robe, XPLAY, Cero), the GR Sport represents the ultimate evolution of the Copen as a serious driver’s car.

Legacy and Enduring Appeal

The Daihatsu Copen has carved out a unique and permanent niche in automotive history. It is a triumphant expression of fun in a segment defined by utility. The first generation proved that a kei car could be a desirable, world-class roadster, while the second generation pushed the boundaries of personalisation and driver focus with its Dress-Formation system and GR Sport collaboration.

More than just a car, the Copen represents a philosophy: that joy can be found in simplicity, that clever design can overcome any constraint, and that a small car can provide an immense and unforgettable driving experience. From its conceptual birth in 1999 to the highly evolved models of today, the Daihatsu Copen has remained a pocket-sized roadster with a colossal heart, beloved by a dedicated global community of enthusiasts who understand its singular charm.