With over 56,000 examples sold globally, the first-gen Daihatsu Copen was a hit
But it wasn't until 2015 that it made a true spiritual return.
Unbelievably, the first-generation Daihatsu Copen went from concept car to production car relatively unchanged.
As you can see by scrolling to the bottom of this page, the concept car that debuted in 1999 looks exactly like the production car does.
This car – sold and loved the world over – didn’t truly reappear until 2015. Daihatsu had made a successor to the first-generation Copen; however, it gave it square and ugly headlights and simply killed its vibe.
Later on in 2015, they launched the Copen Cero, in homage to the original. This particular Daihatsu Copen Cero is an ‘S’ model, which features genuine made-in-England Minilite wheels, sand-coloured Recaro seats, Bilstein sports suspension, a Momo steering wheel and woodgrain-look interior trims.
Finished in British Racing Green, we think it looks outstanding. The hardtop is electrically folding, and the car is more spacious inside than a Honda S660.
Although not as dedicated as Honda’s mid-engine sports car, the Daihatsu Copen is an easier car to live with and use in any other environment apart from a race track.
The car pictured – 2019 Daihatsu Copen Cero S
This Daihatsu Copen was built in October 2019 and is a Cero S trim level finished in ‘British Green Mica’.
That means it’s powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder Toyota ‘KF’ engine with 47kW/92Nm. It features a five-speed manual and is front-wheel drive. It was purchased from USS Osaka as a grade 4.5A vehicle with no repair history.
Standard features include keyless entry & start, heated Recaro sports seats, an electric folding hard top, multiple storage spots, a Bluetooth stereo system, 14-inch Minilite wheels, power windows, climate control, a front dash cam and more.
The electric hardtop works excellently, and the overall roof mechanism is known to be simple and reliable. The vehicle is wholly original and presents well for its age. The interior presents in above-average condition with no obvious wear on its seats or Momo steering wheel.
It comes with one key fob and one manual key, some Daihatsu dealership service history, its original manuals and mats. The vehicle was serviced upon arriving in Australia.
Quick facts
- 2019 Daihatsu Copen Cero S
- 49,7070km
- Five-speed manual / front-wheel drive
- Turbocharged three-cylinder engine
- Electric folding hardtop
- S model with optional extras
- Bilstein Suspension
- Genuine Minilite wheels
- Sports rear muffler
- Momo steering wheel
- Recaro sports seats with heating
- Keyless entry and start
- Stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity
- Power windows, power steering, power mirrors
- Original condition – neat and tidy
- Two keys
- Front dash cam
- Some log book service history
- Serviced upon arriving in Australia
- Comes with SEVS compliance
- Comes with a NSW roadworthy
- Comes with three months NSW registration
Accounting for 50% of general Copen sales, the Cero draws inspiration from the originalRelease of Copen Cero, Daihatsu JP
