Daihatsu Move L9 0.7 i 12V CX (54 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 61 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 760 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 135 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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.

0.7 i 12V CX (54 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A lively engine for a Kei car, delivering its power at higher RPMs. Offers surprisingly spirited performance in urban environments, characteristic of Japanese Kei cars.

Fuel Economy

Exceptional fuel economy, typical for a 660cc Kei car engine, making it very cheap to run for daily city commutes.

Best Use Case: City / Enthusiast Kei

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):0.7 i 12V CX (54 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:4
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:54 Hp @ 7500 rpm.
Power per litre:81.9 Hp/l
Torque:61 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine displacement:659
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
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:68 mm mm
Piston Stroke:60.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Maximum speed:135 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:14.1 kg/Hp, 71.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:12.5 kg/Nm, 80.3 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:760
Max. weight:1140
Max load:380
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1150 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:260 l
Fuel tank capacity:32 l
Size:
Length:3295 mm mm
Width:1395 mm mm
Height:1695 mm mm
Wheelbase:2300 mm mm
Front track:1220 mm
Rear (Back) track:1210 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.3 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size145/65 R13
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Daihatsu Move?