Daihatsu Copen History

Kei car · 2002–present

Sample hero image — replace with real model photography.

History

The Copen debuted as a concept at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show before entering production in June 2002 as a two-seat open-top kei car with a 660 cc turbocharged engine making the Japanese market's regulated maximum of 64 PS. Its electrically operated retractable hardtop was unusually sophisticated for a kei car.

The first generation (L880, 2002–2012) produced over 56,000 units before a two-year gap preceded the radically different second generation (LA400, 2014–present). The second-generation Copen introduced a 'D-Frame' monocoque and interchangeable body panels — allowing owners to swap exterior styles — representing one of Daihatsu's most creative engineering concepts.

A Toyota-badged Copen GR Sport launched in 2019. The Copen GR Sport is slated for discontinuation in August 2026, though the wider Copen range's future beyond that date is to be confirmed.

Generations

First generation (L880) · L880 (2002–2012)

The original Copen — retractable hardtop, 660 cc turbo, 64 PS; over 56,000 built.
- 2005
  Photo: “Daihatsu Copen (2005) (52199169363)” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 2006
  Photo: “2006 Daihatsu Copen Ultimate Edition” by TTTNIS / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation (LA400) · LA400 (2014–present)

D-Frame architecture with swappable body panels; includes the Copen GR Sport Toyota-branded variant.
- 2019
  Photo: “2019–2021 Daihatsu Copen GR Sport in Black Mica Metallic, front left” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.