Daihatsu Move

The is a kei car/city car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu between 1995 and 2023, and was reintroduced in 2025. The Move is Daihatsu's response to the similarly designed Suzuki Wagon R that was introduced two years earlier in 1993. The first Move was designed by Italian design house I.DE.A Institute and succeeding generations continued to build upon the original design. The Move is built upon the chassis of the Mira but with a taller body.

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First generation (L600; 1995)

The first-generation Move was designed by I.DE.A in Turin, Italy. It was marketed with a 659 cc three-cylinder engine in Japan and with an '' ED-20'' engine in export markets. The Japanese domestic market models were internally designated L600, or L610 when equipped with four-wheel drive system; export models were internally designated L601. In 1997, a variant marketed as the ''Move Custom'' was introduced with larger headlamps and revised front styling, and was available in subsequent generations.

Daihatsu produced more than half a million L600/L610 Move models, mostly in Japan. It was imported to Europe, including the UK; its 1999 successor was not exported to Europe.

The Move was also offered with the turbocharged 659 cc ''JB-JL'' all-aluminium four-cylinder engine producing and using the internal designation L602; this version was only available with front-wheel drive. This four-cylinder version was originally the only version of the Move which was available with a four-speed automatic transmission; in May 1996 this became available with the turbocharged three-cylinder engine and proceeded to gradually spread downwards through the grades. The export model's ''ED-20'' engine produced , offering more torque than the naturally aspirated 660 cc engines thanks to the larger displacement. The turbocharged engine was not offered in Europe due to its excessive emissions. The export model has a top speed of , in the version with an automatic transmission.

File:Daihatsu Move 004.JPG, Daihatsu Move Z4 (L610S)
File:Daihatsu Move SR Turbo L600S.JPG, Daihatsu Move SR Turbo (L600S)
File:Daihatsu Move Custom 001.JPG, Daihatsu Move Custom (L600S)
File:Daihatsu Move Custom 002.JPG, Daihatsu Move Custom (L600S)
File:Daihatsu Move front 20080302.jpg, Export-model Daihatsu Move

Second generation (L900; 1998)

The second-generation Move was introduced in October 1998 and was also marketed in Malaysia with slight modifications as the Perodua Kenari. Power of the Japanese market engines are for the basic ''EF-SE'', for the 12-valve ''EF-VE'' and for the turbocharged ''EF-DET'' and ''JB-DET'' engines.

In May 1999 a Hello Kitty special edition, targeted at female drivers, was introduced. This was based on the CL model and was fitted with Hello Kitty emblems, decals, seat covers, and gauges. It also received a front bench seat, unlike other standard Moves, and the door lock knobs were shaped like the Sanrio character. A CVT option was added to the Move CX and Z4 models at the same time. The Move received a light facelift in October 2000, with revised bumpers (with additional vents up front, redesigned marker lights at the rear) and redesigned one-piece taillights. The taillights on the Move Custom were extended downwards at the same time.

File:Daihatsu Move 2000.jpg, 2000 Daihatsu Move CX (L900S)
File:2000-2002 Daihatsu Move rear.jpg, 2000–2002 Daihatsu Move 4WD (L910S)
File:Daihatsu Move Custom 011.JPG, Daihatsu Move Custom (L900S)
File:2000-2002 Daihatsu Move Custom rear.jpg, 2000–2002 Daihatsu Move Custom (L900S)
File:Daihatsu Move AerodownRS 0148.JPG, Daihatsu Move Aero Down RS 4WD (L910S)
File:Daihatsu Move AerodownRS 4WDRear 01700.jpg, Daihatsu Move Aero Down RS 4WD (L910S)
File:Daihatsu Move Custom 013.JPG, Daihatsu Move Aero Down Custom XX (L902S)
File:Daihatsu Move Custom 014.JPG, Daihatsu Move Aero Down Custom XX (L902S)

Third generation (L150; 2002)

The third-generation Move was introduced in October 2002 and has a rounded derivative called Move Latte. The side opening rear gate was retained, but a top-hinged rear door was available as an option. The model code was L150, with L160 signifying four-wheel drive (only available with the EF engine) and L152 indicating that the car had the JB family four-cylinder engine. In addition to the regular Move series, there was again a sportier Move Custom, which received more aggressive looking twin headlights with semi-circular cutouts in the front bumper. The range included the L, X, and R (turbocharged), either as Move or Move Custom, with the Move Custom RS and RS Limited with sports suspension at the top of the price list. The RS models with front-wheel drive were the only models which were fitted with the four-cylinder, all-aluminium JB-JL engine. A host of special editions became available soon after introduction.

The lineup received a gentle facelift in December 2004, along with minor reshuffling of the trim variants. The grille, bumpers, and taillights were redesigned, with the grille no longer extending downwards into the front bumper. The Move R was discontinued and replaced by the lower-cost L-Turbo, while the Move Custom RS Limited was removed from the price lists. The manual transmission option was restricted to the Move L (front- or four-wheel drive). Special editions kept appearing at a steady pace until the third generation was replaced in October 2006, after over 650,000 examples had been built.

File:2002-2004 Daihatsu Move 02 rear.jpg, 2002–2004 Daihatsu Move (L150S, pre-facelift)
File:2006 Daihatsu Move L in Bright Silver Metallic, front left.jpg, 2004–2006 Daihatsu Move (L150S, facelift)
File:2006 Daihatsu Move L in Bright Silver Metallic, rear left.jpg, 2004–2006 Daihatsu Move (L150S, facelift)
File:2002-2004 Daihatsu Move Custom.jpg, 2002–2004 Daihatsu Move Custom (L150S, pre-facelift)
File:2002-2004 Daihatsu Move Custom rear.jpg, 2002–2004 Daihatsu Move Custom (L150S, pre-facelift)
File:2004-2006 Daihatsu Move Custom.jpg, 2004–2006 Daihatsu Move Custom (L150S, facelift)
File:2004-2006 Daihatsu Move Custom rear.jpg, 2004–2006 Daihatsu Move Custom (L150S, facelift)

Fourth generation (L175; 2006)

The fourth-generation Move was introduced in October 2006 and its design was a departure from the boxy look of the previous generations. A '' KF-VE''-type non-turbo engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) were available on this model; a turbocharged engine remained an option for the Move Custom. The L175 has a derivative called Move Conte.

In December 2008, the Move received a small facelift, including new grilles and head- and taillights. The interior was also changed and equipment inmproved, with the adjustable package (seat height, tilt steering wheel, and adjustable height shoulder belt) becoming standard across the range. The Custom L was renamed Custom S, while the regular lineup was consolidated from five into three equipment grades. The turbocharged models (Move Custom only) were now only available in conjunction with the CVT transmission.

File:2006-2008 Daihatsu Move rear.jpg, 2006–2008 Daihatsu Move (L175S, pre-facelift)
File:2008 Daihatsu Move.jpg, 2008 Daihatsu Move (L175S, facelift)
File:2006-2008 Daihatsu Move Custom.jpg, 2006–2008 Daihatsu Move Custom (L175S, pre-facelift)
File:2006 Daihatsu Move-Custom 02.jpg, 2006 Daihatsu Move Custom (L175S, pre-facelift)
File:2008 Daihatsu Move Custom.jpg, 2008 Daihatsu Move Custom (L175S, facelift)
File:2008 Daihatsu Move Custom rear.jpg, 2008 Daihatsu Move Custom (L175S, facelift)

Fifth generation (LA100; 2010)

The fifth-generation Move was introduced in December 2010. The car is also sold by Subaru as the second-generation through an OEM agreement. In an effort to further improve fuel economy, the new Move was equipped with idle-stop technology and it was lighter than the fourth generation. These efficiencies and parts reductions also lowered the cost of manufacture by about ten percent, allowing Daihatsu to lower prices while increasing equipment over the previous generation.

In December 2012, the Move received a light facelift, with a redesigned, blockier front end and new taillights. Daihatsu's "Smart Assist" collision avoidance system was new, and a first for the kei class. The engine incorporated new emissions strategies such as Eco Idle and thermal control of the engine and CVT transmission, developed for the most recent Mira e:S. The Move Custom received larger taillights which extended to incorporate the roof spoiler. Aerodynamics were also improved, while the fuel tank was shrunk - from .

;Daihatsu Move

File:Daihatsu Move L LA110S 0193.JPG, Daihatsu Move L 4WD (LA110S, pre-facelift)
File:Daihatsu Move X"SA"0257.JPG, Daihatsu Move X SA (LA100S, facelift)
File:5th generation Daihatsu Move Custom X.jpg, Daihatsu Move Custom X (LA100S, pre-facelift)
File:5th generation Daihatsu Move Custom X rear.jpg, Daihatsu Move Custom X (LA100S, pre-facelift)
File:2012-2014 Daihatsu Move Custom.jpg, Daihatsu Move Custom (LA100S, facelift)
File:2012-2014 Daihatsu Move Custom rear.jpg, Daihatsu Move Custom (LA100S, facelift)
File:Daihatsu Move X "SA" interior.jpg, Interior

;Subaru Stella

File:Subaru Stella (LA100F) Front.jpg, Subaru Stella L (LA100F, pre-facelift)
File:Subaru Stella L Limited Smart Assist 0235.JPG, Subaru Stella L Limited (LA100F, facelift)
File:Subaru Stella Custom R.JPG, Subaru Stella Custom R (LA100F, pre-facelift)
File:Subaru Stella Custom R Smart-Assist AWD LA110F.JPG, Subaru Stella Custom R SA 4WD (LA110F, facelift)

Sixth generation (LA150; 2014)

The sixth-generation Move was introduced in Japan in December 2014, along with the third-generation Stella. This generation features a lightweight high-rigidity body structure with a reinforced underbody, improved suspension system, and a power mode-switching steering switch that allows drivers to change the control of the engine and CVT at the touch of a button. It has a derivative called the Move Canbus.

Fuel economy is claimed at while turbocharged models (Custom models only) delivering .

The sixth-generation Move was discontinued in June 2023 along with several other Daihatsu models, amidst the scandal involving rigged safety tests at Daihatsu.

;Daihatsu Move

File:Daihatsu MOVE X"SA II" (DBA-LA150S-GBGF) rear.jpg, Daihatsu Move X SA II (LA150S)
File:Daihatsu MOVE CUSTOM X"Hyper SA" (LA150S) front.JPG, Daihatsu Move Custom X Hyper SA (LA150S, pre-facelift)
File:Daihatsu MOVE CUSTOM X"Hyper SA" (LA150S) rear.JPG, Daihatsu Move Custom X Hyper SA (LA150S, pre-facelift)
File:2017-2023 Daihatsu Move Custom RS.jpg, Daihatsu Move Custom RS (LA150S, facelift)
File:2017-2023 Daihatsu Move Custom rear.jpg, Daihatsu Move Custom (LA150S, facelift)
File:Daihatsu MOVE CUSTOM X"Limited SA III" (DBA-LA150S) interior.jpg, Interior

;Subaru Stella

File:Subaru STELLA G Smart Assist (LA150F) front.JPG, Subaru Stella G SA (LA150F)
File:Subaru STELLA CUSTOM RS Smart Assist (DBA-LA150F) front.jpg, Subaru Stella Custom RS SA (LA150F, pre-facelift)

Seventh generation (LA850; 2025)

The seventh-generation Move went on sale since 5 June 2025. Contrary to previous generations, this model is a microvan with rear sliding doors and is based on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture platform. The rebadged model, the Subaru Stella, was unveiled later in the same month.

The Move features an X-shaped design for its front fascia along with slim headlights connected to the grille, L-shaped vertical taillights. It is also available with two style packages called Dandy Sports and Noble Chic (directly translated from Japanese). For the first time in the model history, the Move features rear sliding doors which comes standard for all trims (except the entry-level L trim) with a powered feature for the doors and a touch-and-go lock system.

Inside, the interior was designed for utility with four-seat configuration and many storage spaces, includes a storage area below the central air vents for the wireless charging pad. There is a new digital panel used for the HVAC system, a redesigned steering wheel, a touchscreen infotainment system (7, 9, or 10 inches) and the high mounted gear selector next to the HVAC controls.

International markets

In Malaysia, Perodua manufactures a version of the Move called the Kenari.

In China, the FAW Tianjin joint venture between First Automotive Works and Toyota produces a petrol and electrical version of the Move. The electric version was exported to the US as the Miles ZX40.

The first two generation Moves were also exported to Europe, where they also went by the Japanese market name. Due to poor sales, Daihatsu did not export the third or fourth-generation Moves to Europe after the brand's departure from the continent, making it strictly a Japanese domestic market model.

Sales

References

External links

* (Move)
* (Move Custom)
* (Stella)

{{Subaru vehicles

Move
Cars introduced in 1995
2000s cars
2010s cars
2020s cars
Cars discontinued in 2023
Kei cars
Hatchbacks
Microvans
Front-wheel-drive vehicles
All-wheel-drive vehicles
Vehicles with CVT transmission