Daihatsu Micro Minivan: The Perfect Little Ride You Need to See
For the first time ever, the Move now features sliding doors.
Kei-class cars like Japan’s charming and practical little vehicles might be rare elsewhere due to unique regulations, but they still capture our hearts. One iconic model in this category has just received a complete makeover with a significant update — the Daihatsu Move. Since its debut in 1995, when it resembled a miniature Subaru Forester, the Move has evolved into a savvy urban minivan. Let’s dive into what makes this new version stand out.
Moving Through the Details
The latest Move represents the model’s seventh generation. Over its 30-year history, it has always featured four traditional hinged doors — making the switch to rear sliding doors a major shift for this vehicle. However, this change doesn’t appear to have dramatically altered the styling. The Move has consistently maintained its tall, boxy MPV shape, and that remains true regardless of the door design.
Overall, the new Move’s appearance is appealing. The angular, swept-back headlights paired with a subtly grinning grille complement the distinctive triangular rear pillars. The sportier trims, Dandysport and Noble Chic, stand out with added bodywork that gives the van a lightly customized flair. Inside, the cabin feels comfortable and functional, though it doesn’t particularly grab attention with its design.
The Move is powered by a 660-cc three-cylinder engine, offered in two versions: naturally aspirated and turbocharged. The naturally aspirated engine delivers 51 horsepower and 44 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the turbocharged option—exclusive to the RS trim—produces 63 horsepower, hitting the maximum allowed for the kei car class, along with 74 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and buyers can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Daihatsu: Now Basically a Minivan Maker
With the Move’s shift into minivan territory, most of Daihatsu’s passenger car lineup is now dominated by minivans. Out of nine passenger models, five feature sliding doors: the Move, Move Canbus, Tanto, Tanto FunCross, and Thor. All of these are kei cars, except for the Thor, which sports a relatively large 1.0-liter engine.
On the commercial side, Daihatsu offers the nearly identical HiJet and Atrai kei vans, both available with an open rear bed. There’s also the Gran Max—a more conventional small van powered by a 1.5-liter engine—which is also sold under Toyota’s LiteAce and TownAce names.
Among these vans, our favorites are the ultra-cute, slightly VW-inspired Move Canbus and the rugged-looking Tanto FunCross. Which ones catch your eye?
