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Buyer's guide

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Daihatsu Copen LA400K

Buyer's guide & specs

By Christopher Weydert Updated Reviewed by Robert Munteanu Fact-checked
Production
2014-2021
Engine
KF-DET
0.658L

Background

Overview

The second-generation LA400K Copen launched in 2014 on Daihatsu's D-Frame structure with the KF-DET 658cc DOHC three-cylinder turbo replacing the JB-DET four. Power stays at the kei-capped 64 PS, but the architecture is entirely different: the Active Top retractable hardtop is gone, replaced by a three-piece Detachable Top panel system where the driver and passenger lift roof sections off and stow them in the trunk. The D-Frame was designed to accept interchangeable body panels — Robe (square lamps), Cero (round retro lamps), and XPLAY (SUV-style cladding) — and a fixed-roof Copen Coupe variant added a CFRP roof panel for additional structural stiffness.

S-grade trims (Robe S, Cero S, XPLAY S) are 5-speed manual only and add an LSD, Recaro seats, Bilstein dampers, and sport tuning. The GR SPORT variant — tuned by Toyota Gazoo Racing — adds a body kit, BBS wheels, additional chassis bracing, and a sport ECU calibration. CVT replaces the L880K's 4-speed automatic on non-S grades. None of the LA400K production is currently within US 25-year eligibility — the earliest 2014 cars are eligible starting in 2039.

Identification

Chassis-code reference

Generation names are broad families. The factory chassis codes below identify the variants represented in JDMBUYSELL's current Daihatsu Copen guide data.

LA400K
Chassis code: LA400A

Confirm the complete code on the vehicle's frame or VIN plate; drivetrain, body, and market variants can use different prefixes within one generation family.

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Technical Specifications

Engine Options

Chassis Engine Displacement Power — JDM Notes
LA400K KF-DET 0.658L 64 PS @ 6400rpm (63 hp) DOHC 12V I3, intercooled turbo, VVT
LA400K KF-DET 0.658L 64 PS @ 6400rpm (63 hp) Torque 92 N·m @ 3200rpm (factory)

Livability

Headroom
36.0"
Top up is tight; helmet use is difficult
Rear Seats
None
Strict 2-seater; no occasional rear perch
Cargo
3.5 cu ft
Roof down leaves tiny space; soft bags only

Variants & Trims

Generation Trim Engine Key Features
2nd gen (LA400K, Japan kei) Copen Robe KF-DET 658cc I3 Turbo D-Frame, Active Top, 16in wheels, sport seats
2nd gen (LA400K, Japan kei) Copen Robe S KF-DET 658cc I3 Turbo 5MT only, LSD, Recaro, Bilstein, BBS (varies)
2nd gen (LA400K, Japan kei) Copen XPLAY KF-DET 658cc I3 Turbo SUV-style cladding, D-Frame, Active Top, 16in
2nd gen (LA400K, Japan kei) Copen XPLAY S KF-DET 658cc I3 Turbo 5MT only, LSD, Recaro, Bilstein, sport aero
2nd gen (LA400K, Japan kei) Copen Cero KF-DET 658cc I3 Turbo Round lamps, D-Frame, Active Top, 16in wheels
2nd gen (LA400K, Japan kei) Copen Cero S KF-DET 658cc I3 Turbo 5MT only, LSD, Recaro, Bilstein, sport tuning
2nd gen (LA400K, Japan kei) Copen GR SPORT KF-DET 658cc I3 Turbo GR body kit, Recaro, BBS, bracing, sport ECU
2nd gen (LA400K, Japan kei) Copen Coupe KF-DET 658cc I3 Turbo Fixed roof, CFRP roof panel, stiffer body, 2-seat
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Generation History

Copen Robe/2nd gen (2014-2021)

  • LA400K platform; D-Frame structure
  • Interchangeable body panels concept
  • 660cc turbo (Japan) or 1.0 NA (export)
  • CVT common; some markets with 5MT
  • More modern safety/comfort vs L880K
  • Not typically 25-year import relevant yet
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Market Data

Production Numbers & Rarity

Generation Years Total Built Notes
2nd gen (LA400K/LA400A) 2014-present estimated ~50,000 Estimate; includes Robe/XPLAY/Cero/GR/Coupe

Rarest variant: Copen Coupe

Comparable Alternatives

Mazda Roadster NA

Bigger, simpler RWD; huge parts support; similar open-top vibe

Toyota MR-S

Mid-engine 2-seater; modern dynamics; more power than kei

Smart Roadster

Tiny turbo roadster; quirky like Copen; watch reliability

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10 sources cited below

Sources & References

Sources (10)
  1. Daihatsu Copen — encyclopedic overview — Wikipedia Verified
  2. Daihatsu Copen review — The AA Verified
  3. Daihatsu Copen — feature article — Car Throttle Verified
  4. Copen World — owners' community — Copen World Verified
  5. Daihatsu Copen — model overview and history — Autoevolution Verified
  6. Daihatsu Copen — Japanese bargain buys feature — Classic and Sports Car Verified
  7. Kei car classification and regulations — Wikipedia Verified
  8. Daihatsu Naked — engine-shared kei contemporary — Wikipedia Verified
  9. Goo-net Exchange — Daihatsu Copen listings (Japan) — Goo-net Verified
  10. Bring a Trailer — Daihatsu sale archive — Bring a Trailer Verified

Sources last verified:

Market & demand on JDMBUYSELL

Reported sold prices and buyer-inquiry trend for the Daihatsu Copen LA400K on the JDMBUYSELL marketplace.

Source: /api/market-data/daihatsu/copen/la400k.json · Sold prices aggregated from listings marked sold by private-party sellers on JDMBUYSELL — seller-reported, not verified hammer prices. Inquiry counts are distinct buyer-to-seller conversations referencing at least one listing for this chassis.

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