- The seventh-generation of the Daihatsu Move has debuted in Japan after a two-year delay.
- The kei car rides on the DNGA platform and has a fully redesigned exterior with sliding doors.
- The Move RS trim features a turbo engine with 63 hp and has a sportier suspension setup.
These lines would have been written two years ago if it wasn’t for the safety scandal that broke out in Japan in 2023 affecting several automakers. Still, Daihatsu has managed to leave the hurdles behind, introducing the all-new seventh-generation Move. The kei car is back in production after a two-year hiatus, bringing fresh styling with sliding doors and a more modern platform.
Daihatsu has sold over 3.4 million units of the Move since the original came out in 1995. The seventh-generation is a clean sheet design, sharing the DNGA underpinnings with the Hijet and Atrai LCVs. In terms of footprint, it retains the 3,395 mm (133.7 in) length of its predecessor, with an incrementally longer wheelbase of 2,460 mm (96.9 inches).
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The highlight of the new Move is the rear sliding doors, which add practicality points to the small minivan following the example of some rivals like the Honda N-Box. Setting aside the entry-level L grade, all other trims (X, G, and RS) come standard with a power sliding door and the “touch-and-go” lock function.
The front end features slimmer headlights, a smiling grille and sporty bumper intakes which are mostly there for cosmetic reasons. The profile is more sculpted than before with stronger dynamic lines and a wraparound greenhouse. Finally, the upright tail of the little Daihatsu features smaller L-shaped taillights, a slightly curved rear glass, and faux triangular vents on the rear bumper.
Daihatsu
Besides the 13 combinations of the color palette and the slight variations between the grades (grille, headlight graphics, wheels), Daihatsu offers additional personalization options for the Move. These include exterior and interior add-ons, bundled together in the optional Dandysport and Noble Chic styles.
Small Yet Practical
Moving inside, the four-seater cabin retains a focus on practicality, with various storage solutions. The front seats fold flat, creating a comfy double sofa bed in combination with the reclining seatbacks of the rear bench.
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The infotainment display measures 7, 9, or 10 inches in diameter, and is combined with an analogue instrument cluster. The gearshift retains its high position on the center console, next to the physical climate controls. Equipment can include heated front seats, wireless charging, and the Smart Assist ADAS suite.
Tiny Engine, Sporty RS Trim
Under the short hood of the Move lies a 658 cc gasoline engine, in line with the kei car regulations in Japan that don’t permit a larger displacement. The naturally aspirated engine is good for 51 hp (38 kW / 52 PS), while the turbocharged version found in the RS trim generates a healthier 63 hp (47 kW / 64 PS).
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Besides the turbo engine, the Move RS also gets a sportier suspension setup with different shock absorbers, and rides on 15-inch wheels. As with most kei cars, the Move is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations, exclusively fitted with a CVT gearbox.
The new Daihatsu Move is already available to order in Japan. Pricing starts at ¥1,358,500 ($9,500) for the entry-level 2WD version and tops out at ¥2,044,000 ($14,300) for the flagship 4WD trim. Daihatsu hopes to sell 6,000 units of the kei car per month, all produced in Japan’s Oita prefecture.
