Daihatsu Copen History
Catalog record
Photography for this nameplate has not yet cleared the archive’s licensing and identity checks. The researched text below remains available while the page stays out of search and advertising inventory.
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
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
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.
Body styles
- 2-door convertible
- Coupe
Notable special editions & performance variants
Copen GR Sport
A Toyota-badged performance-focused Copen variant with GR Sport tuning; slated for discontinuation August 2026.
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Daihatsu Copen
Search Amazon across available years, colors, and scales. Exact releases vary, so confirm the listing before ordering.