Daihatsu Ayla GIIAS 2026 with Retro K-car Looks
Daihatsu has unveiled a new version of the Ayla at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026, and it brings a distinct vintage aesthetic to the popular microcar.
The vehicle, dubbed the Ayla Modern Vintage, features a design language that leans heavily into the past. The front end sports a bluff face with a large egg-crate grille and block-lettered “DAIHATSU” script that is underlined. This retro treatment extends to the wheel covers and the simple head and tail lamps, which retain a D-shape despite looking a bit different from the standard models. The rear bumper is particularly clean, featuring a smaller number plate recess and two circular reflectors rather than the aggressive, bulky kits often found on modified vehicles.
Retro styling details
The visual theme is complemented by a striking interior palette, described as “pink and off-white,” which creates a very light and bright atmosphere. Almost every surface inside is beige, including the dashboard top, radio, air vents, steering wheel spokes, air-con control panel, gear lever, and carpets. Even the gear knob, pillars, and boot walls share this light tone. The seat covers include the old Daihatsu script printed on fabric center inserts, giving the interior a soft, nostalgic feel.
So bright is the interior that passengers would likely need sunglasses before getting inside. While the dashboard top, radio, air vents, steering wheel spokes, air-con control panel, gear lever, and carpets are all beige, the report notes that pretty much everything else inside the cabin adheres to this light tone.
Design exercise for the Axia
The styling exercise has clear parallels to the Perodua Axia, a car that shares the same mechanical platform and basic silhouette. The official presentation describes the vehicle as a styling exercise rather than a production model, which aligns with the custom nature of the design. The report notes that the car’s proportions and details seem to be inspired by the Axia, offering a different interpretation of the compact hatchback’s shape.
The concept aims to capture a specific era of automotive design, though it is unlikely to be sold as a production item. It serves as a demonstration of how the basic Ayla/Axia platform can be altered to create a nostalgic look that stands apart from the standard, more utilitarian versions of the car available in markets like Indonesia. Smart unveils new electric city car model
It is worth considering how manufacturers use such concepts to gauge public interest in retro themes without committing to the manufacturing costs of a full production run. The Ayla Modern Vintage is a visual reminder of that process, offering a nostalgic take on a modern car.
