Vehicle model
Daihatsu Copen
The Daihatsu Copen is a two-seat kei-car convertible launched in 2002, one of the few roadsters in this minimalist Japanese category. It stands out for its retractable hardtop and its compact, expressive design. Designed for driving fun on a small scale, it targets an audience that loves playful, urban and affordable cars rather than raw performance. Several generations followed one another, the most recent offering interchangeable body panels. The Copen remained a niche product, sold essentially in Japan, with production announced to end in 2026. In terms of tires and wheels, the Copen fits small wheels, generally around 15 to 16 inches, with narrow tires that are inexpensive to replace. In Quebec, a roadster of this type, lightweight and rear-wheel drive on some versions, absolutely requires winter tires to stay safe on snowy or icy roads.
History
History of the Daihatsu Copen
The Daihatsu Copen is a two-seat kei-car convertible launched in 2002, one of the few roadsters in this minimalist Japanese category. It stands out for its retractable hardtop and its compact, expressive design. Designed for driving fun on a small scale, it targets an audience that loves playful, urban and affordable cars rather than raw performance. Several generations followed one another, the most recent offering interchangeable body panels. The Copen remained a niche product, sold essentially in Japan, with production announced to end in 2026. In terms of tires and wheels, the Copen fits small wheels, generally around 15 to 16 inches, with narrow tires that are inexpensive to replace. In Quebec, a roadster of this type, lightweight and rear-wheel drive on some versions, absolutely requires winter tires to stay safe on snowy or icy roads.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
Depending on the generation, the Copen uses a small turbocharged engine respecting the kei-car limit of about 64 hp: a 660 cc four-cylinder developed with Yamaha, then a turbocharged three-cylinder from the KF family. Manual or CVT transmission, with a sharply tuned chassis for dynamic handling.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Les Daihatsu, surtout des kei-cars et petites citadines, chaussent des pneus de petit diamètre, typiquement des jantes d'environ 13 à 15 pouces, parfois 16 pouces sur les versions plus sportives ou les petits VUS comme le Terios. Les sections de pneus sont étroites, ce qui réduit le coût de remplacement. L'entraxe (bolt pattern) le plus fréquent sur ces modèles compacts à 4 boulons est de type 4x100. Comme tout véhicule circulant au Québec, un jeu de pneus d'hiver homologués est essentiel et obligatoire durant la période réglementaire. Vérifiez toujours les dimensions exactes inscrites sur le flanc d'origine ou la portière conducteur avant tout achat.
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