Not many changes were required since the original concept already had production-ready looks
October 29, 2023 at 05:47
This story includes speculative illustrations that are neither related to nor endorsed by Daihatsu
The Daihatsu Vision Copen was one of the many highlights of the Japan Mobility Show, as a sporty ICE-powered concept that could preview a future Mazda MX-5 rival. Independent digital artist Theottle didn’t waste any time and created renderings of the model in roadster and coupe forms with a few toned-down features making them more suitable for production.
Despite being labeled as a concept, the Vision Copen looks very close to production status in terms of exterior and interior design, making it easier to imagine it at a dealership. In order to accentuate that feeling, the digital artist traded the fancy headlights and taillights of the showcar for more conventional LED units. He also added a new set of smaller-diameter alloy wheels which could be offered in an entry-level trim. As a final note, he changed the exterior color to red and applied the bi-tone treatment with a black finish for the mirror caps and the windshield frame.
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More: Daihatsu Vision Copen Concept Grows Up And Eyes The Mazda MX-5
Theottle
Daihatsu
The “production” version of the Daihatsu Vision Copen proved to be an easy task so Theottle spent some more time converting the two-seater roadster into a small coupe. This imaginary version would require a few redesigned components including a fixed roof, rear quarter panels, a tailgate, and a proper rear windshield. Judging from the Mazda Iconic SP concept that also premiered in Tokyo, the next-gen Mazda MX-5 could also be offered in coupe form, making the Daihatsu Copen Coupe a nice alternative, next to the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ affordable sportscars.
Daihatsu’s new concept might look like a modern version of the first-gen Copen kei car that was introduced back in 2002, but it is actually much larger in size, aiming at the “compact sports convertible” segment. More specifically, it measures 3,835 mm (151 inches) long which is a full 440 mm (17.3 inches) longer than the currently available second-gen Daihatsu Copen, approaching the Mazda MX-5 ND.
Unlike the JDM-spec Copen that comes fitted with a tiny 658 cc engine due to the kei car regulations, the Vision Copen gets a much larger – and supposedly much more powerful – 1.3-liter unit. Daihatsu didn’t get into details about the specifications but said that the powertrain can also run on carbon-neutral fuel.
It seems that the automaker is seriously considering evolving the Daihatsu Vision Copen concept into a production offering, providing automotive enthusiasts with another ICE-powered drop-top option in the compact sportscar segment.