Daihatsu Move Kei Car Cars
The Daihatsu Move is a popular kei car that offers a compact yet practical solution for urban driving, making it particularly well-suited for the congested and often narrow streets of the United Kingdom. Although kei cars are more common in Japan due to their tax and insurance benefits there, the Daihatsu Move’s characteristics translate well to UK city life, especially in places like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh where tight parking spaces and heavy traffic are everyday challenges.
Measuring just over 12 feet (approximately 144 inches) in length, the Daihatsu Move’s compact footprint allows for easy manoeuvring through crowded streets and effortless parking in tight spots—a frequent necessity in many UK cities where space is at a premium. Its height and boxy design maximise interior space without increasing its overall length or width, providing ample headroom and a surprisingly roomy cabin despite its small exterior dimensions.
Under the hood, the Move typically comes with a small displacement engine—usually around 660cc—designed primarily for efficiency rather than outright speed. This powertrain delivers modest horsepower but excellent fuel economy figures which make it an economical choice given UK fuel prices. Expect to achieve impressive miles per gallon ratings on typical urban routes involving frequent stops, starts, and low-speed cruising. The engine’s efficiency helps reduce running costs considerably while maintaining smooth acceleration adequate for UK city roads and suburban environments.
The vehicle's suspension setup caters well to the variable conditions found across British roads—from pothole-riddled residential streets to smoother motorway journeys. Thanks to its light weight and compact size, the Move exhibits nimble handling characteristics that make driving in stop-and-go traffic less stressful. It also features tight turning radius abilities aiding manoeuvrability on narrow lanes or busy roundabouts often encountered throughout the country.
Inside, practicality is key with flexible seating arrangements that allow you to fold down rear seats to increase cargo space when necessary. This feature is especially handy if you need room for shopping runs or carrying sports equipment—common needs for drivers living an active lifestyle in towns and cities across the UK.
While kei cars like the Daihatsu Move may not be as prevalent as larger superminis or hatchbacks on UK roads, they offer a distinctive alternative combining efficiency, convenience, and ease of use suited perfectly to daily commuting in bustling urban environments with limited parking availability. For anyone seeking an economical and compact city car solution adapted indirectly from Japanese market designs but applicable under UK driving conditions today, the Daihatsu Move presents a smart option worth considering.

