Daihatsu Move

	Daihatsu Move
	Debut: 2013 Maker: Daihatsu Predecessor: Move (2006)

Published on 14 Nov 2014

Move has long been the best selling car of Daihatsu, usually rivaling Suzuki Wagon R at the top of K-car sales chart. There are some good reasons for its success – a tall body with long wheelbase leads to very spacious interior; flexible seating plan makes it like a mini-MPV; 2-body styles to serve women and men buyers respectively; well engineered yet well priced.

The latest generation Move has switched from one-box to 2-box styling in an effort to look like classier minivans. Exterior dimensions hardly changed, although its wheelbase is curiously shortened from 2490 to 2455 mm, like all the latest Daihatsu K-cars. Nevertheless, this does not rob it any interior space, which is still remarkable for a K-car. It offers enough knee room for 4 adults, with headroom to spare.

As before, the seats are flexible. They can be arranged to form a double bed. The 50/50-split rear seats can slide, tilt or fold flat. A tall roof means it is a good companion for bike lovers. Lots of storage cubbies and cupholders is great for taking children to long journey. The instrument, dashboard and steering wheel are quite outdated, whereas plastics look cheap, but this is not a fatal sin considering its keen pricing.

The car sits on the same platform as sister car Mira e:S and Tanto, so most key mechanicals are shared. However, unlike them, the Move is fitted with anti-roll bars front and rear on all models (not just the Turbo). This is proved to be a wise decision, as it has rectified much of the body roll of the previous Move. Its straight line stability is also greatly enhanced. Now it needs fewer steering corrections when riding over bumps or ridges. The presence of anti-roll bars allows softer springs to be used, so ride comfort is also benefited. Overall, the ride and handling become more composed, more agile.

Move Custom RS

Unlike Mira e:S, the Move gets very effective sound insulation, so its running refinement is among the best of K-cars. Engine refinement isn’t as good though. The 658 c.c. DVVT triple delivers 52 ps at 6800 rpm and 44 lbft of torque at a high 5200 rpm. It guarantees excessive noise and endless frustration when you ask for overtaking. On the flip side, fuel economy is remarkable, thanks to some of the e:S technology transferred from Mira.

The Custom RS Turbo is a much better performer. As long as you keep the small motor spinning above 1800 rpm, you will enjoy respectable response and power. It also gets stiffer suspension to return better body control at the price of ride comfort.

Overall speaking, the Move is a credible choice for K-car buyers. However, without seeing real progress in interior design and engines, it is no longer as outstanding as a couple of generations ago.

Verdict: