The Japanese domestic market is like an alternate
universe for us outsiders and its quirkiness doesn’t cease to amaze us. As the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon is drawing nearer, new JDM creations start to emerge, such as the
Daihatsu Copen Coupe. Yes, after many years of being a roadster, the Copen will
finally get the fixed roof people have been asking for.
You may remember that at the 2016 Tokyo Auto Salon,
Daihatsu unveiled a fixed-roof Copen concept based on the retro-styled Copen
Cerro. The study got a very warm reception from visitors who got really excited
about the prospect of a Copen Coupe. This prompted Daihatsu to seriously
consider building it. In the end, it decided to do it, albeit in a limited run
of 200 units.
Inspired by the Copen study, the Copen Coupe
features a CFRP fixed top (optionally available with a glass sunroof) that
descends towards the rear end in a fastback-like design. Scheduled to enter production and
start deliveries next year in April to coincide with the fifth anniversary of
the second-generation Copen, the coupe variant will offer a pretty
comprehensive standard equipment. Features include a Momo leather-wrapped
steering wheel (CVT models also get paddle shifters), limited slip differential
for enhanced cornering abilities, BBS forged aluminum wheels, and serialized
plates on the center console.
Optional extras will include a sports muffler and
HKS suspension. No modifications were made with regard to the engine, however,
which is a modest 64 hp 0.66-liter turbocharged three-cylinder required by
Japanese law to allow the Copen to be classified as a Kei car.
Prices range from 2,484,000 yen (US$ 22,250) for
the CVT-equipped model and 2,505,600 yen (US$ 22,450) for the manual version.
