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Daihatsu Move L9 1.0 i 12V (56 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Daihatsu Move:
The Daihatsu Move 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....(Read more on Wikipedia)
L9 Overview:
Daihatsu Move (L9). With 88 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8 l/100km). Weighing only 815 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.8 s). The top speed reaches 130 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Daihatsu Move (L9) was primarily designed for the Japanese domestic market and was not subjected to Euro NCAP testing. Its safety features are basic by modern standards, reflecting its era and segment.
1.0 i 12V (56 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Similar power to the manual, but the automatic transmission will likely dull acceleration and responsiveness, making it more relaxed for city driving.
Fuel Economy
Slightly less fuel-efficient than its manual counterpart, but still offers reasonable economy for an automatic city car.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent maneuverability and compact size for urban driving
- • Good fuel efficiency, especially the Kei car variants
- • Surprisingly spacious and practical interior for its footprint
- • Known for Daihatsu's typical reliability and low running costs
- • Easy to park and navigate in tight spaces
Cons:
- • Limited highway performance, especially with smaller engines
- • Basic interior materials and dated design by modern standards
- • Safety features are rudimentary compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Small fuel tank capacity requires frequent refueling
- • Can feel underpowered on inclines or with a full load
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Daihatsu |
| Model: | Move |
| Generation: | L9 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.0 i 12V (56 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 56 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 56.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 88 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 989 |
| Number of cylinders: | 3 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 72 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 81 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 130 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.6 kg/Hp, 68.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.3 kg/Nm, 108 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 12.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 815 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1150 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 260 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 32 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3410 mm mm |
| Width: | 1475 mm mm |
| Height: | 1695 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2345 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1310 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1280 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.3 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 155/65 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Your first impression of the Daihatsu Move in one word? Go!