Daihatsu’s Vision Copen: An iconic rebirth with more power and style

WEB DESK: In the realm of coveted automobiles, the Daihatsu Copen has perennially stood out as an irresistible indulgence—a pint-sized marvel that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts not only in Japan but also in Pakistan.

According to Motor1, the upcoming Vision Copen, set to debut at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, represents a significant departure from its predecessor.

Unlike the traditional Copen, the Vision is remarkably larger, challenging the confines of a typical kei car.

While the standard Copen adheres to specific size restrictions, measuring a mere 133.7 inches in length and 58.1 inches in width, the Vision stretches its dimensions to 151 inches in length and 66.7 inches in width.

Notably, it boasts a lower stance at 49.8 inches, a longer wheelbase of 95 inches, and, in a Miata-esque move, adopts a rear-wheel-drive layout, deviating from the front-wheel-drive system of the Kei car.

Under its hood, the Vision Copen abandons the familiar turbocharged 0.6-litre, three-cylinder engine in favour of a more robust 1.3-litre powerplant.

While precise performance figures remain undisclosed, the substantial increase in displacement suggests a significant boost in power beyond the Kei car’s 63 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque.

However, enthusiasts might be disappointed to learn that the Vision Copen appears to forego the manual gearbox available in the standard model, opting for an automatic transmission.

Daihatsu’s press release indicates that the internal combustion engine is designed to run on CN fuel, presumably referring to carbon-neutral fuel.

Design-wise, the Vision Copen retains the familiar charm of its predecessor, despite its larger proportions.

Although images with the roof up are yet to be revealed, Daihatsu assures enthusiasts that the vehicle features an electrically retractable hardtop, reminiscent of the Active Top found in the first-generation model.

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Inside, the car offers a digital instrument cluster, a modest infotainment system, Porsche-style capacitive-touch buttons, and practical door loops.

The Vision Copen marks the end of an era for the old guard of sporty kei cars.

With competitors like the Honda Beat’s successor, the S660, being discontinued in 2022 and iconic models like the Suzuki Cappuccino and Autozam AZ-1 fading into history, Daihatsu’s new offering stands as a beacon, ushering in a new chapter for these beloved micro sports cars.