Fifth Generation Daihatsu Move and Move Custom (LA100S/LA110S)

Since its debut in 1995, the Daihatsu Move is Japan's most respectful small compact cars that can compete with Suzuki's fastest selling Wagon R. The Daihatsu Move underwent four full model changes from 1998, 2002, and 2006, with the addition of the Custom variant that appeals to the young drivers looking for an edge of style. Now, just in time before Christmas 2010, the fastest selling Daihatsu, the Move, is now evolved to its much anticipated fifth-generation model.

2011 Daihatsu Move

2011 Daihatsu Move Custom

Even when the Move is now on its fifth model change, it still offers two styles that depends on the Japanese customers' personal tastes. If they want it more simpler, the normal Daihatsu Move is offered, but for those who think that style is an option, the Move Custom fits their personal preferences.

Aside from its new model change, the new Daihatsu Move made even more economical and eco-friendly thanks to Daihatsu's first idling stop system, dubbed as Eco Idle, that allows the engine to be automatically shut off when the car stopped, for instance; stopped at the red light or at the stop sign. The Eco Idle is somewhat similar to Mazda's i-stop (found in the Mazda Axela, Biante, and the new Premacy) and Toyota's Smart Stop (iQ Go 6MT and the upcoming third-generation Vitz/Yaris). With the Eco Idle equipped on the newly upgraded 658cc KF engine, the new Daihatsu Move has the maximum fuel economy of a majestic 27.0km/L (in 2WD variants). I got to say it, the new Daihatsu Move's fuel economy is greater than the new Nissan March K13 and the upcoming third-generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris combined. For those looking for power, there is a turbocharged KF engine available exclusively on the new Daihatsu Move Custom RS that has the power output of 64PS and the fuel economy of 22km/L (Custom RS 2WD). Both the new Move and Move Custom are equipped with the Continuous Variable Transmission for optimized fuel efficiency.

2011 Daihatsu Move interior

2011 Daihatsu Move Custom interior

On the standard Daihatsu Move, the exterior seems to be aggressive but simple. On its interior, there's a simple touch and contrast between the beige colored seats, simple scooter-like tachometer, and a relaxing atmosphere. Most women would love to take advantage on this variant. On the Daihatsu Move Custom, this kind of Move is the most aggressive kei car ever expected aside from the front headlamps resembles like the previous model and the bumper similar to the Tanto Exe Custom. Step inside and this one's too manly for its own right. Looks like the enthusiasts' choice not always the Move Custom, but the Move Custom RS because of the RS exclusive Momo steering wheel armed and ready to take flight.

My thoughts about the Move:
The Move might have been defeated by the Suzuki Wagon R in terms of sales, but now its back with a vengeance and its ready for its payback to claim its "kei number one" status from the Suzuki Wagon R (in regular and Stingray). Now that the Suzuki Wagon R is equipped with the idling stop, the new Daihatsu Move comes ready with the Eco Idle system, which means the new Move's fuel efficiency could really crush the Suzuki Wagon R for good. Can the new Move claim back its number one status once and for all?

Adopting the new concept "TNP27" (TNP means Teinenpi, which is Japanese for fuel economy) referring to the fuel economy of a majestic 27.0km/L, the new Move is now reborn, retouched, and renewed to become one with nature thanks to its eco-car status and the qualification of Japan's "eco-car genzei" system, which receives a tax deduction of 75% off.

Photo: Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.