Daihatsu Unveils 'K-OPEN' FR Concept Car at Japan Mobility Show 2025, Hinting at Copen Successor

On October 29, 2025, Daihatsu made the world premiere of "K-OPEN," a new FR (Front-engine, Rear-drive) concept car, at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 (JMS2025). This announcement strongly suggests the possibility of it being a successor to the existing kei open-top car, the "Copen," drawing significant attention from automotive enthusiasts.

As its name suggests, "K-OPEN" signifies a "kei open-top car," a unique naming choice that re-emphasizes the origin of the existing "Copen" name. Its most significant feature is the adoption of an FR drivetrain, which surprised many fans. The pursuit of sporty and direct driving pleasure through rear-wheel drive, despite being a kei car, has garnered numerous expressions of surprise and anticipation on social media, such as "It's FR?! That's amazing!" and "Finally, FR!"

In terms of design, the distinctive round headlights at the front and rear have drawn positive comments like "It has a cute face" and "Innovative." Daihatsu has also released an official concept movie, captivating many users with its styling. Furthermore, the presence of a manual transmission (MT) has been hinted at, which would be good news for those who prioritize driving engagement.

On social media, strong desires for commercialization are evident, with comments such as "I really want a K-OPEN!" and "This is too good to be true!" Some users have also recalled that the original Copen concept car was also considered with an FR drivetrain under the "K-OPEN" name, leading to speculation like "Are they finally doing what they always wanted?" and hopes for the realization of Daihatsu's long-cherished dream.

All eyes are now on the future development of "K-OPEN" and whether it will mark a new chapter in the "Copen" legacy.

The context

To fully appreciate the significance of Daihatsu's "K-OPEN" concept, it's helpful to understand the context of "kei cars" and the existing "Copen" model.

• Kei Cars: These are a unique category of small vehicles in Japan, subject to strict regulations on engine displacement (currently limited to 660cc), length, width, and height. They enjoy tax and insurance benefits and are popular for their practicality in crowded urban environments. Despite their small size, many kei cars, especially those in the "sports" segment, offer surprisingly engaging driving experiences.
• Daihatsu Copen: The Copen is a well-known kei car produced by Daihatsu, famous for being a compact, two-seater open-top sports car. Its most distinctive feature is often its electrically retractable hardtop, allowing it to transform from a coupe to a convertible with the push of a button. The Copen has garnered a cult following for its unique blend of Japanese practicality and open-air driving fun.
• FR (Front-engine, Rear-drive) Drivetrain: Most kei cars, including the current Copen, utilize an FF (Front-engine, Front-wheel-drive) layout, which is more space-efficient for small vehicles. An FR layout, where power is sent to the rear wheels, is typically associated with sports cars for its balanced weight distribution, more direct steering feel, and the potential for oversteer, offering a more engaging and purist driving experience. For Daihatsu to consider an FR layout for a kei car is a significant engineering and design challenge, indicating a strong commitment to driving pleasure over pure practicality.
• Japan Mobility Show (JMS): Formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, this event is a major international automotive exhibition held in Japan, where manufacturers unveil new models, concept cars, and future technologies.

The "K-OPEN" concept, by hinting at an FR successor to the beloved Copen, suggests Daihatsu is pushing the boundaries of what a kei car can be, catering to enthusiasts who value driving dynamics and open-top excitement.