The new Move was originally set to debut in summer 2023, coinciding with the end of its predecessor’s production
- The new Daihatsu Move arrives two years after the previous model ended production.
- The kei car was expected to debut in 2023, but was delayed due to a safety scandal.
- The new generation of the mini-minivan adopts a sleeker design and sliding rear doors.
After nearly two years off the radar, Daihatsu is finally stepping back into the spotlight with a first look at the all-new Move. The company has released a teaser for the seventh-generation kei car in Japan, confirming that a full debut is scheduled for June 2025.
Production of the previous-generation Move came to a halt in the summer of 2023. Around the same time, Daihatsu admitted to falsifying safety test results, a scandal that not only delayed the new model’s launch but also triggered broader investigations across the Japanese auto industry. In the months that followed, other automakers were caught in similar misconduct, causing widespread disruptions in production and sales.
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Now that the dust has finally settled, Daihatsu published a special website as it gears up for the belated reveal of the seventh-gen Move. The teasers reveal the more aggressive face of the model compared to its predecessor, boasting slimmer LED headlights integrated within a wider grille, and flanked by sporty bumper intakes.
The profile has also been completely redesigned, adopting more sculpted character lines and rear sliding doors for extra practicality. Another change is the wraparound greenhouse with black pillars and side windows that extend to the rear glass. The upright tail sports new taillights, while retaining the tiny rear overhang typical of kei cars.
Redesigned and Reengineered
Daihatsu
The new Move is expected to ride on the DNGA architecture, which it’ll share with other Toyota and Daihatsu models. The company has confirmed it will offer the option between naturally aspirated and turbocharged powertrains, most likely enhanced with mild electrification for greater efficiency. As with most kei cars, both engines will be available in 2WD and 4WD configurations.
Daihatsu has also revealed initial pricing details. The base Move L trim will start at just over ¥1,300,000 (around $8,800), while the top-tier RS 4WD model with a turbocharged engine will approach ¥2,000,000 ($13,500). These figures keep the Move highly competitive within the budget-friendly kei segment.
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Since the launch of the original Daihatsu Move in 1995, the kei car has sold over 3.4 million units across six generations. The most recent model was introduced in December 2014 and remained in production until June 2023.
The new Move will join Daihatsu’s expansive kei car lineup, including the sporty Copen, the smaller Tanto, the crossover-style Taft, the retro-flavored Move Canbus, and the Hijet LCV.
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