1999 DAIHATSU Move 1.0L 5MT FWD (58 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Daihatsu introduced the Move second generation in late 1998 based on the same platform as a supermini hatchback.

The Japanese carmaker tried to edge over its competitors on the kei-car segment in Japan and hired Giorgetto Giugiaro to pen their MPV. Still, the Japanese rules regarding that segment were stringent. Still, the Italian design company Italdesign managed to create a unique shape for the four-door minivan. At the same time, the Move shared the technical part with another successful Daihatsu product, the Mira/Cuore.

With its flat front fascia and the steep hood, the Move looked different from most competitors, who preferred to make their vehicles with a taller front and a flat hood. Move’s rectangular headlights sat slightly behind the front grill, which sported the Daihatsu badge and a horizontal chromed slat. On the lower side of the wrapped-around plastic bumper, the designer installed a lower apron with an additional cooling area. Its sides revealed the flat, vertical side doors with a cut on the lower side for the rear ones to fit around the wheel arches.

Inside, the Move offered enough room for four passengers. Its tall dashboard looked curved, and its shapes were far from the exterior’s cubist style. Daihatsu placed the climate controls above the center stack, which was unusual, but installed the audio system lower, above the ashtray and the cigarette lighter. Depending on the market and trim level, the carmaker offered the Move with either a five-speed manual, an automatic, or a CVT transmission.