2019 Daihatsu Copen GR Sport

• Daihatsu adds the Copen GR Sport as the fourth model in its kei roadster lineup.

• Developed with Toyota Gazoo Racing, it gets reinforced chassis, tuned suspension, and functional aero tweaks.

• Interior upgrades include Recaro seats, MOMO steering wheel, and optional GR Parts.

The Daihatsu Copen has always been one of those quirky but lovable machines—a lightweight, kei-sized convertible built for people who put fun above practicality. In 2019, it got a new top-of-the-range version: the Copen GR Sport, created with input from Toyota Gazoo Racing.

This was more than a styling exercise. Daihatsu listened to customers asking for something sharper and handed the brief to Toyota’s racing arm. The result is a car that feels more planted, with engineering changes hidden beneath its small frame.

Stiffer Bones, Sharper Feel

At the heart of the Copen GR Sport’s changes is its chassis. The body was stiffened with additional bracing and structural tweaks, cutting down on flex and giving the suspension more to work with. The suspension itself was re-tuned—spring and damper settings altered to improve road contact and deliver a clearer sense of what’s happening beneath the wheels.

It wasn’t just about raw speed—it was about making the car respond faithfully, corner after corner.

Aerodynamics were also reworked. The new bumpers, underfloor spats, and functional outlets weren’t just visual tweaks; they reduced lift by about 10 percent compared with the regular Copen Robe. For a kei roadster, that’s a meaningful improvement in stability at speed.

GR Styling with Purpose

Visually, the GR Sport carried Toyota’s performance family cues. Up front, the Functional Matrix grille gave it a meaner, wider look, complemented by black accents around the headlamps. The rear followed suit with horizontal black elements and a diffuser-like lower bumper.

Exclusive 16-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels rounded off the package. Small in diameter by global standards, but perfectly proportioned here, and a nod to lightweight performance ethos. Buyers could pick from eight body colors, carried over from the Copen Robe.

Inside, the upgrades were just as focused. Recaro seats offered better bolstering, holding the driver in place during spirited drives. A MOMO leather-wrapped steering wheel added the right tactile feel, while Piano Black trim and self-illuminating gauges gave the cabin a sportier edge without losing the Copen’s quirky character.

Options and Customization

Like any GR-badged model, the Copen GR Sport didn’t arrive empty-handed on the accessories front. Daihatsu dealers offered GR Parts, co-developed with TRD, ranging from spoilers to side skirts. These weren’t just dress-up items—they were engineered to subtly enhance aerodynamics and airflow.

Under the bonnet sat the familiar 660cc turbocharged three-cylinder, meeting kei-car regulations. Buyers had a choice between a 7-speed Super Active Shift CVT or a more traditional 5-speed manual gearbox.

Prices at launch ranged between 2,380,000 and 2,435,000 yen, placing the GR Sport firmly as the flagship of the Copen range. For context, other Copen models started from around 1.88 million yen, making this the enthusiast’s pick at the top of the tree.

Technical Specification

• Engine: 660cc turbocharged petrol (kei-class compliant)
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 7-speed CVT with Super Active Shift
• Chassis: Reinforced underbody, increased torsional rigidity
• Suspension: Retuned springs and dampers; McPherson strut front, torsion beam rear
• Aerodynamics: Functional Matrix grille, new bumpers, underfloor spats, reduced lift (≈10% vs Copen Robe)
• Wheels: Exclusive 16-inch forged BBS aluminum
• Interior: Recaro sports seats, MOMO steering wheel, Piano Black trim, GR-specific instrumentation
• Options: GR Parts by TRD and Daihatsu (spoilers, skirts, aero components)
• Price at Launch (Japan): ¥2,380,000 – ¥2,435,000

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