Daihatsu Move L9 0.8 i 12V (42 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 67 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.1 l/100km). Weighing only 755 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 18 s). The top speed reaches 131 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.

0.8 i 12V (42 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Very basic performance, strictly suitable for city driving where low speeds are common. Acceleration is leisurely, making highway travel challenging.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel efficiency due to its small displacement, ideal for drivers prioritizing economy over performance in urban settings.

Best Use Case: City

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):0.8 i 12V (42 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:4
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:42 Hp @ 5300 rpm.
Power per litre:49.6 Hp/l
Torque:67 Nm @ 3200 rpm.
Engine displacement:847
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:66.6 mm
Piston Stroke:81 mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:7.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:18 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:18 sec
Maximum speed:131 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:18 kg/Hp, 55.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:11.3 kg/Nm, 88.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:17.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:755
Max. weight:1140
Max load:385
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1150 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:260 l
Fuel tank capacity:32 l
Size:
Length:3310 mm
Width:1395 mm
Height:1695 mm
Wheelbase:2300 mm
Front track:1230 mm
Rear (Back) track:1230 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

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