Daihatsu Move

The Daihatsu Move (Japanese: ダイハツ・ムーヴ, Hepburn: Daihatsu Mūvu) 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.

Daihatsu Move
Daihatsu Move Custom RS Turbo (LA100S)
Overview
Manufacturer	Daihatsu
Also called	Subaru Stella (2010–2023, 2025–present) Perodua Kenari (Malaysia, 2000–2009)
Production	August 1995 – June 2023 2025–present
Body and chassis
Class	Kei car City car (export models)
Body style	5-door hatchback (1995–2023) 5-door microvan (2025–present)
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive

First generation (L600; 1995)

First generation
Daihatsu Move (L600S)
Overview
Model code	L600
Production	August 1995 – October 1998
Designer	Justyn Norek at I.DE.A Institute
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Related	Daihatsu Mira (L500)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 659 cc EF-GL/ZL DOHC I3 (L600/610) 659 cc EF-RL DOHC turbo I3 (L600/610) 659 cc JB-JL DOHC turbo I4 (L602) 847 cc ED-20 I3 (L601; export only)
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length	3,295 mm (129.7 in)
Width	1,395 mm (54.9 in)
Height	1,620 mm (63.8 in)
Kerb weight	690–800 kg (1,521–1,764 lb)

The first-generation Move was designed by I.DE.A in Turin, Italy.^[1] It was marketed with a 659 cc three-cylinder engine in Japan and with an 847 cc (51.7 cu in) 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 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp) and using the internal designation L602; this version was only available with front-wheel drive.^[2] 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 44 PS (32 kW; 43 hp), 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.^[1] The export model has a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph), 125 km/h (78 mph) in the version with an automatic transmission.

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  Daihatsu Move Z4 (L610S)
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  Daihatsu Move SR Turbo (L600S)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom (L600S)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom (L600S)
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  Export-model Daihatsu Move

Second generation (L900; 1998)

Second generation
1998 Daihatsu Move SR-XX (L900S)
Overview
Model code	L900
Also called	Huali Happy Messenger (China, 2003–2008) Miles ZX40 (United States, 2006–2013) Perodua Kenari (Malaysia, 2000–2009)
Production	1998–2002 (Japan) 2003–2008 (Huali) 2006–2013 (Miles) 2000–2009 (Kenari)
Designer	Italdesign Giugiaro
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Related	Daihatsu Max (L950) Daihatsu Mira (L700)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 659 cc EF-SE I3 659 cc EF-VE DOHC 12v I3 659 cc EF-DET DOHC 12v turbo I3 659 cc JB-DET DOHC 16v turbo I4
Power output	45 PS (33 kW; 44 hp) (EF-SE) 58 PS (43 kW; 57 hp) (EF-VE) 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp) (EF-DET)
Transmission	5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,360 mm (92.9 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,695 mm (66.7 in) 1,670 mm (65.7 in) (Custom) 1,650 mm (65.0 in) (Aero Down Custom)
Kerb weight	780–890 kg (1,720–1,962 lb)

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 45 PS (33 kW) for the basic EF-SE, 58 PS (43 kW) for the 12-valve EF-VE and 64 PS (47 kW) 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.

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  2000 Daihatsu Move CX (L900S)
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  2000–2002 Daihatsu Move 4WD (L910S)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom (L900S)
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  2000–2002 Daihatsu Move Custom (L900S)
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  Daihatsu Move Aero Down RS 4WD (L910S)
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  Daihatsu Move Aero Down RS 4WD (L910S)
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  Daihatsu Move Aero Down Custom XX (L902S)
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  Daihatsu Move Aero Down Custom XX (L902S)

Third generation (L150; 2002)

Third generation
2002–2004 Daihatsu Move (L150S, pre-facelift)
Overview
Model code	L150/L152/L160
Production	October 2002 – October 2006
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Related	Daihatsu Move Latte Daihatsu Mira (L250)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 659 cc EF-VE I3 659 cc EF-DET turbo I3 659 cc JB-DET turbo I4
Power output	58 PS (43 kW; 57 hp) (EF-VE) 64 PS (47 kW; 63 hp) (EF-DET, JB-DET)
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,390 mm (94.1 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,630 mm (64.2 in)
Kerb weight	790–900 kg (1,742–1,984 lb)

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.^[3] 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.

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  2002–2004 Daihatsu Move (L150S, pre-facelift)
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  2004–2006 Daihatsu Move (L150S, facelift)
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  2004–2006 Daihatsu Move (L150S, facelift)
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  2002–2004 Daihatsu Move Custom (L150S, pre-facelift)
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  2002–2004 Daihatsu Move Custom (L150S, pre-facelift)
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  2004–2006 Daihatsu Move Custom (L150S, facelift)
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  2004–2006 Daihatsu Move Custom (L150S, facelift)

Fourth generation (L175; 2006)

Fourth generation
2006 Daihatsu Move (L175S, pre-facelift)
Overview
Model code	L175/L185
Production	October 2006 – December 2010
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Related	Daihatsu Move Conte Daihatsu Mira (L275)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 658 cc KF-VE I3 658 cc KF-DET turbo I3
Power output	43 kW (58 PS) (KF-VE) 47 kW (64 PS) (KF-DET)
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,490 mm (98.0 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,615 mm (63.6 in)
Kerb weight	810–930 kg (1,786–2,050 lb)

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.^[4] 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.^[4]

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  2006–2008 Daihatsu Move (L175S, pre-facelift)
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  2008 Daihatsu Move (L175S, facelift)
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  2006–2008 Daihatsu Move Custom (L175S, pre-facelift)
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  2006 Daihatsu Move Custom (L175S, pre-facelift)
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  2008 Daihatsu Move Custom (L175S, facelift)
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  2008 Daihatsu Move Custom (L175S, facelift)

Fifth generation (LA100; 2010)

Fifth generation
Daihatsu Move L (LA100S, pre-facelift)
Overview
Model code	LA100
Also called	Subaru Stella (second generation)
Production	December 2010 – December 2014 (Move) May 2011 – December 2014 (Stella)
Assembly	Japan: Ryūō, Shiga (Ryūō plant);[5] Nakatsu, Ōita (Daihatsu Motor Kyushu)[6]
Designer	Yuji Kitagawa, Shinichi Nakabayashi and Eiji Murakami[7] Nobuhiro Hata, Shun Ohoka and Mark Widjaja (Move Custom)[8][9][10][11]
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Related	Daihatsu Mira e:S (LA300)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 658 cc KF-VE I3 658 cc KF-DET I3-T
Power output	43 kW (58 PS; 57 hp) (KF-VE) 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp) (KF-DET)
Transmission	CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,455 mm (96.7 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,620–1,635 mm (63.8–64.4 in)
Kerb weight	810–890 kg (1,786–1,962 lb)

The fifth-generation Move was introduced in December 2010. The car is also sold by Subaru as the second-generation Subaru Stella (Japanese: スバル・ステラ, Subaru Sutera) through an OEM agreement. In an effort to further improve fuel economy, the new Move was equipped with idle-stop technology and it was 35 kg (77 lb) lighter than the fourth generation.^[12] 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.^[12]

In December 2012, the Move received a light facelift, with a redesigned, blockier front end and new taillights.^[13] 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.^[13] The Move Custom received larger taillights which extended to incorporate the roof spoiler. Aerodynamics were also improved, while the fuel tank was shrunk - from 36 to 30 L (9.5 to 7.9 US gal).

Daihatsu Move

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  Daihatsu Move L 4WD (LA110S, pre-facelift)
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  Daihatsu Move X SA (LA100S, facelift)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom X (LA100S, pre-facelift)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom X (LA100S, pre-facelift)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom (LA100S, facelift)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom (LA100S, facelift)
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  Interior

Subaru Stella

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  Subaru Stella L (LA100F, pre-facelift)
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  Subaru Stella L Limited (LA100F, facelift)
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  Subaru Stella Custom R (LA100F, pre-facelift)
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  Subaru Stella Custom R SA 4WD (LA110F, facelift)

Sixth generation (LA150; 2014)

Sixth generation
Daihatsu Move (LA150S)
Overview
Model code	LA150
Also called	Subaru Stella (third generation)
Production	December 2014 – June 2023
Assembly	Japan: Ryūō, Shiga (Ryūō plant);[5] Nakatsu, Ōita (Daihatsu Motor Kyushu)[6]
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door hatchback
Related	Daihatsu Mira e:S (LA350)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 658 cc KF-VE I3 658 cc KF-DET I3-T
Power output	43 kW (58 PS; 57 hp) (KF-VE) 47 kW (64 PS; 63 hp) (KF-DET)
Transmission	CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,455 mm (96.7 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,630 mm (64.2 in)
Kerb weight	820–890 kg (1,808–1,962 lb) (Move) 830–900 kg (1,830–1,984 lb) (Move Custom)

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 31 km/L (88 mpg_‑imp; 73 mpg_‑US) while turbocharged models (Custom models only) delivering 27.4 km/L (77 mpg_‑imp; 64 mpg_‑US).^[14]

The sixth-generation Move was discontinued in June 2023 along with several other Daihatsu models, amidst the scandal involving rigged safety tests at Daihatsu.^[15]

Daihatsu Move

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  Daihatsu Move X SA II (LA150S)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom X Hyper SA (LA150S, pre-facelift)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom X Hyper SA (LA150S, pre-facelift)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom RS (LA150S, facelift)
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  Daihatsu Move Custom (LA150S, facelift)
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  Interior

Subaru Stella

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  Subaru Stella G SA (LA150F)
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  Subaru Stella Custom RS SA (LA150F, pre-facelift)

Seventh generation (LA850; 2025)

Seventh generation
Overview
Model code	LA850
Also called	Subaru Stella (fourth generation)
Production	2025–present
Assembly	Japan: Nakatsu, Ōita (Daihatsu Motor Kyushu)[6]
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door microvan
Platform	Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA)
Doors	Sliding doors (rear)
Related	Daihatsu Move Canbus (LA850) Daihatsu Tanto (LA650)
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 658 cc KF-VE I3 658 cc KF-DET turbo I3
Power output	38 kW (51 hp; 52 PS) (KF-VE) 47 kW (63 hp; 64 PS) (KF-DET)
Transmission	CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,460 mm (96.9 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Height	1,655–1,670 mm (65.2–65.7 in)
Kerb weight	860–940 kg (1,896–2,072 lb)

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.^[16][17] The rebadged model, the Subaru Stella, was unveiled later in the same month.^[18]

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.^{[citation needed]}

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

Year	Japan[19]
2010	86,031
2011	106,746
2012	107,710
2013	174,454
2014	112,995
2015	109,013
2016	66,663
2017	62,997
2018	61,565
2019	54,343
2020	46,951
2021	37,498
2022	39,003
2023	21,117