Daihatsu followed the retro-design trend when introducing the second generation of the Mira Gino in 2004, even though its inspiration might have come from another brand.
With its vast experience in producing kei-cars for the Japanese market, Daihatsu tried again to catch European customers and built the Trevis. It was meant to be a cost-effective vehicle, easy to park and use.
The British MINI inspired the first generation of the Mira Gino, which continued on the Trevis. At the front, the grille was typical for a MINI, with a trapezoidal shape and rounded corners. Its round headlights looked big for the car's size, with a chromed rim around them. From the sides, depending on the trim level, the Trevis featured 13" steel-wheels or 14" alloys and body-colored door handles. At the back, the designers imagined slim triangular, vertically mounted on the quarter panels taillights. That left more room for the tailgate,
Daihatsu offered the Trevis in two trim levels. The basic version offered power windows, mirrors and locks, and an AC unit, but not a stereo. In upper trim level, the Trevis featured a Momo steering wheel and a dealer-installed stereo. It offered seating for four adults but with little room for the rear ones. A minimalist trunk, good enough for two slim briefcases, completed the interior.
Unlike its Japanese sibling, which was powered by a 0.66-liter engine respecting the kei-car rules, the European model sported a 1.0-liter four-pot paired to a five-speed manual. A four-speed automatic was on the options list.