Daihatsu Copen Vision, future rival to the Mazda MX-5?

Self-proclaimed rival of the Mazda MX-5, the Daihatsu Copen has so far failed to reach the level of its prestigious competitor.

Although it is only a concept, the Vision Copen presented at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo appears very close to a production model in terms of exterior and interior design. This suggests that we shouldn’t have to wait long to see it at a dealership.

This new Copen is a modernized and larger version of the very first generation that debuted in 2002. It features the rounded front and rear light clusters placed at all four corners and the overall line of what was at launch a small Kei Car convertible.

In terms of dimensions, although slightly smaller than a Mazda MX-5, it has grown in size with a length of 3,835 mm, a width of 1,695 mm, and a height of 1,265 mm. These increased dimensions include an additional 440 mm in length, combined with a wheelbase of 2,415 mm, giving it a less toy-like appearance compared to its tiny predecessor.

The interior remains minimalistic but is modernized with a clean digital cockpit, touch controls on the center console, and a set of sporty seats.

Finally, Daihatsu abandons the 658cc engine from the Kei Copen in favor of a 1.3-liter, which is unfortunately most likely paired with an automatic transmission. Daihatsu specifies that this Flex Fuel engine can run on all carbon-neutral fuels available on the market.

Overall, it’s not enough to truly shake up the MX-5 queen, but it offers an interesting approach to the fun vehicle that could find its place in Asian markets eager for this type of model, before perhaps trying its luck in Europe.