Daihatsu Copen XPlay – new clothes for kei roadster

daihatsu_copen_xplay_2

One of the most interesting features about the new Daihatsu Copen – which was introduced to the Japanese market earlier this year – is its Dress-Formation removable resin body panels, which enables owners to easily change the look of the car.

So far there has only been one design available for the little kei roadster, called Robe. Now, however, Daihatsu has released the XPlay version of the Copen, with a more rugged aesthetic. The name, which stands for “Extra Play,” was chosen through public vote at the 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon as well as on the dedicated Copen website.

daihatsu_copen_xplay_1

Previewed by the Kopen XMZ and D-X concepts, the Daihatsu Copen XPlay features black body cladding and wheel arch extensions, a more angular “polyhedron” design for the body as well as a hexagonal-shaped full-length grille. There is also a unique turbine design for the 16-inch alloy wheels (as with the Copen Robe, BBS forged items are optional) and a special off-beat khaki metallic hue.

Inside, the centre portion of the top of the dashboard has been pulled back, revealing more of the silver-painted centre console, while the instrument panel garnish features a metallic finish rather than the Robe’s carbon-fibre appearance. The gauges also receive red dials, with the central speedometer getting a silver ring around it.

daihatsu_copen_xplay_8

The Copen XPlay retains the use of a KE 660 cc turbocharged three-pot, delivering 64 PS at 6,400 rpm and 92 Nm at 3,200 rpm to the front wheels. The engine is mated to either a CVT with seven preset ratios or a five-speed manual, while a helical-type limited slip differential is available as an option. Fuel consumption on the JC08 cycle is rated at 25.2 km per litre for the CVT and 22.2 km per litre for the manual.

Prices for the Daihatsu Copen XPlay are 1,798,200 yen (RM51,900) for the CVT model and 1,819,800 yen (RM52,500) for the manual, the same as for the Copen Robe. Do you like the look of this “crossover roadster”, or do you prefer the more traditional lines of the Robe?


Daihatsu Copen Robe

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Sammy on Dec 09, 2014 at 11:55 am

    “Do you like the look of this “crossover roadster”, or do you prefer the more traditional lines of the Robe?”

    Does it matter if we can have it for the same price as the Japanese? I will take 1 each thanks.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 1
  • Perodua please rebadge it!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 0
  • perodua please rebadge this and sell us cheap2 as an EEV.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 0
  • look like axia with no roof…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 13
  • unbelievable…CVT cost less than traditional 5speed manual…nice

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • pelasih on Dec 09, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    Is it illegal to personally import this to Malaysia? Somebody bring this to Malaysia!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Dec 09, 2014 at 2:19 pm

    this is awesome

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • who knows why perudua didnt bring this in?
    Im sure if its priced right there will be many interested to buy.Lets say after tax about 85k ok what?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
    • This car is handmade handcrafted in Daihatsu copen factory. It required higher technology and quality management than others mass production car to produce. At the moment, only Complete built Unit import is availble

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Leonardo on Dec 10, 2014 at 8:32 am

    I prefer the traditional clean looks. The X play looks more like a cross over vehicle, or a mutant car. But for the Japanese market, this would probably sell as the Japanese liked ‘originality and creativity’.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • murshed ja pa on Dec 20, 2014 at 6:01 pm

    so nice car.my have 2 car daihatsu rogky & ceres.for long drive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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