Daihatsu Previews JMS 2023-Bound Concepts – Includes MX-5 Fighter And Trio Of EVs

The Vision Copen is one of four concepts leading Daihatsu's entry into this year's JMS 2023 expo.

Formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2023 (JMS 2023) exposition will see Daihatsu showcasing a bevy of new concepts. Apart from several electric vehicles (EVs), the Japanese automaker will also debut what appears to be a direct rival to the Mazda MX-5.

We’ll start with the most exciting of the lot and, aptly, it’s plain to see how the Daihatsu Vision Copen is poised to rival against the aforementioned Mazda open-top sportscar. On the surface, this concept looks like a beefed up and modernised follow-up of Daihatsu’s signature Copen Kei-class sportscar.

Of course, there’s more to it than meets the eye. For starters, the Vision Copen is actually a much larger car than the current Copen. Sitting 3,835 MM long with a 2,415 MM wheelbase, 1,695 MM wide, and 1,265 MM tall, this prototype is marginally smaller than the MX-5.

Sitting 3,835 MM long with a 2,415 MM wheelbase, 1,695 MM wide, and 1,265 MM tall, the Vision Copen is indeed marginally smaller than the MX-5.

Crucially, said dimensions mark a 440 MM increase in length over the current generation Copen that’s on sale in Japan presently.  The dramatically increased wheelbase also contributes to this concept arguably more ‘mature’ proportions.

Increased too is the Vision Copen’s powertrain which, as per Daihatsu’s visualization, sees a 1.3-litre mill, presumably a 4-cyl, sitting up front and powering its rear wheels. The automaker also envisions said powertrain being able to accept carbon-neutral fuels.

Given that capacity has doubled over the current Copen’s Kei-sized 658cc mill, it’s reasonable to expect a substantial output increase as a result, but Daihatsu hasn’t revealed figures from which just yet. Additionally, interior renderings also suggest that an automatic transmission will be primed.

On board, the Vision Copen is a straightforward driver's car featuring a modest digital cockpit with touch controls, and a pair of sports seats. An automatic transmission is also envisioned to be paired with its 1.3-litre powertrain.

Speaking of the cabin, the Vision Copen sees its innards feature a straightforward, driver-focused layout that incorporates a modest digital cockpit with touch-sensitive controls in the centre console. The presents of sporty seats, on the other hand, is yet another indication of this concept’s sporty aspirations.

With a design that appears almost production-ready, it all signals that perhaps Daihatsu is poised to enter the compact sportscar segment and rival against the benchmarking Mazda roadster here. This sporty concept aside, Daihatsu also previewed no less than three EV concepts.

Similar in size to the current Copen with a stretched 2,440 MM wheelbase, the Osanpo is being pitched as a novel 'open-top electric crossover'.

Arguably the most exciting of the trio is the Osanpo open-top electric crossover. It blends charming design with heightened ground clearance plus SUV-like exterior cladding. In terms of size, the Osanpo shares the Copen Kei-class roadster’s 3,395 MM length, but its wheelbase has been stretched to 2,440 MM.

The me:Mo urban EV concept strongly emphasises sustainability and versatility for various life stages.

Next comes the me:Mo urban EV that strongly emphasises sustainability and versatility for various life stages. Its squared design sees rounded corners plus a novel 3-seat cabin layout, all housed in a compact package measuring 2,955 MM long with minimal overhangs, compact wheels plus flat sides.

Lastly comes the Daihatsu Uniform Truck and Cargo vans duo. These feature a powertrain with built-in V2L capability to turn these into mobile shops.

Lastly comes the Daihatsu Uniform Truck and Cargo vans duo that explores a possible future of compact light commercial vehicles (LCVs). Both measure just 3,395 MM long, and both prioritise straightforward and practical designs promising user-friendliness.

The EV platform their based on grants both with flat cargo spaces for easier maintenance, whereas removeable interior and exterior elements adds versatility for a range of work uses. Additionally, the EV powertrain incorporates external power supply function (V2L) to enable these LCVs to serve as mobile shops too.

More details about all four concepts will be released later this month on 26 Oct when they’re all showcased at JMS 2023.