What Is the Daihatsu Move?

The Daihatsu Move holds a unique place in Japanese automotive history: it was the car that, alongside the Suzuki Wagon R, invented the "tallboy kei wagon" segment in 1995. By taking the chassis of the Mira subcompact and building a significantly taller body on top, Daihatsu created a kei car that felt roomier than anything in its class — standing, as its name implies, ready to move with you through every aspect of daily life.

Three decades and more than 3.4 million units later, the Move remains one of Japan's most recognisable kei cars. The 7th generation, launched on June 5, 2025 after a two-year absence caused by a safety testing scandal at Daihatsu, marks the most radical transformation in the nameplate's history: for the first time ever, the Move has rear sliding doors. Built on the DNGA platform, with four grades (L, X, G, RS), and powered by the same proven KF-series engines in NA and turbocharged form, the new Move sets out to prove that Daihatsu's return to the market is worth the wait.

For importers, the 6th generation (2014–2023, LA150S/LA160S) remains the primary vehicle available at Japanese auction. This guide covers both in full detail.

30 Years of History — Seven Generations

The Return — Why the Move Disappeared for Two Years

The 7th Generation (2025) — What's Completely New

The 7th generation Move (LA850S/LA860S) is not a continuation of the 6th generation — it is an entirely new vehicle on an entirely new platform, with a new body, new doors, and a new design language. Key changes from the previous generation include:

Sliding Doors — A Historic First for the Move

The introduction of rear sliding doors on the 7th generation Move is the most significant single change in the model's 30-year history. Every previous Move used conventional hinged rear doors — a design choice that kept production costs low and the profile clean but required extra door-opening clearance in tight parking spaces. The 7th generation changes this completely, responding to what Daihatsu describes as "growing demand in recent years" — reflecting how competitors like the Honda N-BOX have made sliding doors a near-universal expectation in the tall kei wagon segment.

6th Generation vs 7th Generation at a Glance

If you are sourcing a Move for import, it is essential to know which generation you are looking at — the two are very different vehicles. The 6th gen is the unit you will find abundantly at Japanese auction; the 7th gen is just entering circulation as of 2025/2026.

Grade Breakdown: L, X, G, RS

The 7th generation Move uses a clean four-grade structure that replaces the 6th generation's "standard + Custom" two-body approach. All grades share the same body and the same sliding door architecture. Grade differences are in equipment, engine, and performance.

Full Feature Comparison Table

✓ = Standard | ✗ = Not available | OPT = Manufacturer option | Dark column = RS top grade. Prices from Daihatsu official website (June 2025). Features sourced from Daihatsu official press release PDF (June 5, 2025).

NA vs Turbo — The Move's Engine Split

Unlike the 6th generation where the turbo was restricted to Custom variants, the 7th generation has a simpler engine structure: L, X, and G all use the naturally aspirated engine, while the RS is exclusively turbocharged. This makes the engine choice identical to the grade choice.

The turbo's 100 Nm of torque (vs 60 Nm on the NA) makes a real-world difference in a 920 kg tall-bodied vehicle. With four adults, luggage, and regular motorway or mountain road use, the RS's turbo handles these scenarios more confidently. For flat urban use and fuel economy priority, the NA grades are entirely adequate — and the G grade adds comfort equipment without the fuel consumption penalty of the RS.

Style Packages: Dandy Sport & Noble Chic

A distinctive feature of the 7th generation Move is the availability of two optional personalisation packages — added as manufacturer and dealer options across compatible grades. These are more than a colour choice; they apply a cohesive visual theme to the exterior and interior:

These packages are a significant differentiator in how the same base vehicle can look. Buyers sourcing a 7th gen Move for import should consider whether the style package affects desirability in their target market — the Dandy Sport package in particular may appeal strongly to younger male buyers in export markets.

Smart Assist — Up to 17 Safety Functions

The 7th generation Move includes Daihatsu Smart Assist as standard equipment, with up to 17 driver assistance functions — a significant expansion from previous generations. Configuration varies by grade, and ACC is standard on G and RS only. Key functions include:

Key Grade Differences Explained

1. Sliding Door System — The Most Important Grade Differentiator

The biggest practical difference between grades in the 7th generation is the sliding door system. The L grade has manual sliding doors — you push them open and pull them closed by hand. The X and G grades have power sliding on the left side only, with right-side power available as an option. The RS is the only grade where power sliding doors are standard on both sides. For buyers where convenience is paramount — parents with children, elderly users, or markets where you want to offer the car at its most convenient — the RS is the clear choice purely based on door specification.

2. Turbo Engine — RS Exclusive

The turbocharged KF-DET (64 PS / 100 Nm) is available only in the RS. All other grades use the NA unit. This is a clear decision framework: if you need turbo performance, you must choose the RS. If NA is acceptable, you choose L, X, or G based on comfort equipment requirements.

3. Adaptive Cruise Control — G and RS Only

ACC is standard on G and RS grades. L and X do not include it. For buyers who regularly use expressways or who want full motorway comfort, stepping up to at least the G grade is necessary. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose G over X despite the ¥225,500 price premium.

4. Seat Heaters and Wireless Charging — G and RS

Both front seat heaters and the wireless charging pad are standard on G and RS grades only. The X does not include these. In Japan's cold northern regions and in export markets where in-car device charging is a priority, these features matter. The G grade is the only NA option that includes them.

5. Sport Suspension — RS Exclusive

The RS receives unique sport-tuned shock absorbers that produce a firmer, more controlled ride and improved cornering stability compared to the standard suspension on L, X, and G. For buyers who want a more connected driving feel, the RS suspension is a genuine differentiator. For buyers prioritising ride comfort over handling sharpness, the NA grades offer a softer, more forgiving setup.

6. 15-inch Wheels — RS Only

The RS is the only grade with 15-inch alloy wheels (machined cut finish). All other grades use 14-inch wheels — steel on the L, alloy on X and G. The 15-inch fitment on the RS allows a wider tyre that improves the car's visual stance and handling — consistent with its sport-focused character.

Full Technical Specifications

Which Grade Should You Buy or Import?

Importing a Daihatsu Move

The Daihatsu Move is one of the most practical and appealing JDM kei wagons for export. Its combination of practical tall-body packaging, competitive fuel economy, reliable KF-series engines, and now — in the 7th generation — sliding rear doors makes it broadly appealing across diverse export markets.

6th Gen (LA150S) vs 7th Gen (LA850S) for Import

The 6th generation (2014–2023) is currently the primary source at Japanese auction. These units offer good availability, proven reliability, and strong value. The Custom RS with the turbo engine and premium equipment is the most sought-after 6th gen variant. The 7th generation (2025+) will gradually enter auction stock and will command premiums for the sliding door feature and DNGA platform — but won't be widely available at auction until 2026–2027.

Understanding the 6th Generation Grade Structure

The 6th generation used a "standard + Custom" two-body structure, unlike the unified 7th gen lineup. At auction, standard Move units have a softer, rounded front face; Custom units have a sharper, more aggressive look with bold headlamp designs. Key 6th gen grades: L and X are NA with standard styling; X Turbo adds the turbocharged engine to standard styling; Custom X is NA with Custom styling; Custom RS is the turbo flagship with Custom styling, premium interior, and the highest specification.

Grade Identification at Auction

7th gen (LA850S): All units have sliding rear doors. Grade is identified by wheel size (14-inch steel = L; 14-inch alloy = X/G; 15-inch cut alloy = RS) and whether the vehicle has power sliding both sides (RS) or one side (X/G). 6th gen (LA150S): Standard vs Custom is immediately visible from the headlamp design. Use JPChecker.com to confirm the precise grade, engine specification, and chassis code before bidding.