Daihatsu Move

Model Overview

The Daihatsu Move is a Kei car series produced by Japan's Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., positioned as a Kei tall-boy wagon. The Move lineage dates back to 1995 when the Suzuki Wagon R had established the "Kei tall-wagon" niche; the Move was launched as a direct challenger and swiftly became one of the definitive benchmarks in the segment. By 2025, the Move has progressed into its seventh generation. In June 2025, the all-new seventh-generation Move officially made its debut in Japan, priced between 1,358,500 and 2,024,000 yen (approx. NTD 305,000 to NTD 479,000). The variant lineup consists of four trims: the naturally aspirated entry-level 'L', mid-spec 'X', high-spec 'G', and the turbocharged 'RS'.

Design Language

The original first-generation Move (1995) disrupted the market with its tall-wagon silhouette, carving out a unique presence in the Japanese Kei car scene. The styling concept for the seventh-generation Move is "a posture in motion that is handsome, upright, and resolute", seamlessly blending practical function with aesthetic appeal. Up front, sculpted X-motif lines rise from the centre, flanked by sleek, slender headlamp clusters and a full-width upper grille to deliver a sharp, forward-leaning stance. At the rear, it retains the signature vertical taillight cluster that stretches downwards from the roofline to the beltline—a hallmark design trait passed down through generations of the Move.

In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide, and 1,655–1,670 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,460 mm. Capping the overall height at around 1,655 mm guarantees generous interior headroom while clearly differentiating it from "super-height Kei wagons" that stand over 1,700 mm tall. A total of 13 exterior colour choices are offered, including two-tone paint schemes. Daihatsu also offers two dedicated styling packages for the seventh-gen Move: "Dandy Sports" and "Noble Chic"—the former highlights a youthful vibe with black exterior accents and sporty aero bits, while the latter elevates premium elegance via copper-chrome embellishments.

Powertrain and Performance

The seventh-generation Move is powered by a 658 cc inline-three DOHC petrol engine compliant with Japanese Kei car regulations, available in naturally aspirated (NA) and turbocharged guises. The NA unit churns out 52 PS (51 hp) and 60 Nm of torque, whereas the turbocharged mill produces 64 PS (63 hp) and 100 Nm of torque. Capped by the Japanese Kei car regulatory output limit, the turbo variant's output maxes out right at the legal ceiling. Both engines are paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) across the range. Drivetrain options include front-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (4WD). Fuel efficiency is rated up to 22.6 km/L under the WLTC test cycle.

Chassis and Handling

The seventh-generation Move is built upon Daihatsu’s proprietary DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) modular platform. Compared to its predecessor, the DNGA platform delivers marked improvements in body rigidity, torsional response, and high-speed stability, while accommodating lightweight construction and a lower centre of gravity. The suspension setup comprises front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam, striking an ideal balance between handling dynamics and cost efficiency. The dampers and steering tuning are Move-specific, ensuring a comfortable, low-vibration ride alongside composed cornering performance. The optional 4WD system further boosts traction and stability on slippery or challenging road conditions.

Cabin and Features

Inside, the seventh-generation Move carries over the functional layout of the outgoing model while receiving comprehensive refinements across key details. A newly designed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel offers enhanced grip and tactile feel. The centre console features a digitalised control interface with touch-sensitive buttons for more intuitive usability. Depending on the trim level, infotainment touchscreen options include 7.0-inch, 9.0-inch, and 10.0-inch units, paired with an analogue instrument cluster. The floating gear selector sits adjacent to tactile physical climate controls, preserving ease of use on the move. A spacious tray beneath the centre console houses a wireless smartphone charging pad. Matching materials and colourways are used on the door armrests and seat upholstery to enhance interior cohesion. Optional amenities include heated front seats and a wireless charging pad.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety sees a major leap in the seventh-generation Move, with up to 17 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functions fitted as standard across the range. Key active safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Highway Driving Assist. The suite utilises a next-generation stereo camera setup capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists at night. It is further equipped with pedal misapplication control and sudden acceleration suppression. Such a comprehensive active safety suite remains exceptionally rare in the Kei car category.

Market Performance and Reception

Ever since the original debuted in 1995, the Move has remained a cornerstone of Japan's Kei tall-wagon segment. Following the discontinuation of the sixth-generation model in summer 2023, only the spin-off Move Canbus remained on sale, leaving roughly a two-year hiatus for the core nameplate. In June 2025, the seventh-generation Move made its long-awaited comeback, also marking Daihatsu's first all-new product launch in three years following the 2023 certification scandal.

The seventh-generation Move enjoyed an overwhelming market reception upon release. Within about a month of its launch (by early July 2025), order bookings surged to approximately 30,000 units—nearly five times its monthly sales target of 6,000 units. The range-topping RS variant proved to be the most sought-after. In October 2025, Japan's minicar market grew 2.9% year-on-year, with Daihatsu outperforming the market with a 30.2% jump, largely driven by the runaway success of the new Move.

The most significant upgrade for the seventh-generation Move is the introduction of dual sliding rear doors for the very first time, with the flagship RS trim receiving dual powered sliding doors as standard. While this slightly repositions the Move within the lineup, successfully marrying the Move's signature heritage with the strong market appetite for sliding doors has broadened its appeal to family buyers. Within Daihatsu’s portfolio, the Move joins the Tanto and Wake to establish a comprehensive tall-wagon lineup catering to diverse roof-height preferences.