The Daihatsu Vision Copen took center stage at the Japan Mobility Show, showcasing a sporty ICE-powered concept that holds the potential to rival the iconic Mazda MX-5. The independent digital artist known as Theottle wasted no time in transforming this exciting concept into a production-friendly reality, envisioning it in both roadster and coupe forms with some subtle modifications.

Despite being labeled a concept, the Vision Copen boasts a design that feels remarkably production-ready, both in terms of its exterior and interior. It's easy to picture this model gracing dealership showrooms. To emphasize this, the digital artist replaced the concept's extravagant headlights and taillights with more conventional LED units. Smaller-diameter alloy wheels were added, potentially for an entry-level trim. To complete the transformation, the exterior color was switched to red, and a bi-tone treatment was applied with black mirror caps and a black windshield frame.

The creation of a "production" version of the Daihatsu Vision Copen proved to be a straightforward endeavor. Theottle took things a step further by reimagining this two-seater roadster as a small coupe. This imaginative version would require several redesigned components, including a fixed roof, rear quarter panels, a tailgate, and a proper rear windshield. Considering the unveiling of the Mazda Iconic SP concept in Tokyo, there's a possibility that the next-generation Mazda MX-5 might also be offered in coupe form, making the Daihatsu Copen Coupe an appealing alternative alongside the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ affordable sports cars.

At first glance, Daihatsu's new concept might appear to be a modern rendition of the first-gen Copen kei car from 2002. However, it's significantly larger in size and aims to fit into the "compact sports convertible" segment. Specifically, it measures 3,835 mm (151 inches) in length, a substantial 440 mm (17.3 inches) longer than the current second-gen Daihatsu Copen, bringing it closer to the Mazda MX-5 ND.

In contrast to the JDM-spec Copen, which adheres to kei car regulations and features a tiny 658 cc engine, the Vision Copen is equipped with a substantially larger and presumably more powerful 1.3-liter powerplant. While exact specifications remain undisclosed, Daihatsu has hinted that the powertrain can also run on carbon-neutral fuel.

It appears that Daihatsu is seriously contemplating the evolution of the Daihatsu Vision Copen concept into a production model. This move could offer automotive enthusiasts another enticing ICE-powered drop-top option in the compact sports car segment. The Vision Copen's transformation from concept to reality presents an exciting prospect for the world of sports car enthusiasts.