The Daihatsu Move Canbus, a popular mini-vehicle known for its charming design, has been redesigned. Motor journalist Fumio Ogawa test-drives the new turbo model of the second-generation vehicle.

When we talk about great car design, I don't think it always refers to sports cars. Looking back, many designs considered masterpieces were for small cars, such as the British Mini, the French Renault 5, and the Italian Fiat Nuova 500. I was reminded of this when I encountered the new Daihatsu Move Canbus, released on July 5, 2022.

The Move Canbus, first released in 2016, is a "tall wagon." Its 658cc 3-cylinder engine is housed in a body measuring 3,395mm in length and 1,655mm in height. The extended roofline emphasizes its spaciousness, and the design, which balances functionality with emotion through its charming front mask (described by the manufacturer as "cute"), has been carried over to the second generation.

The Move Canbus appeals not only to those who choose mini-vehicles solely for practicality (and tax benefits) but also to car enthusiasts. This is likely due to the thoroughly engineered packaging and the meticulous design details, such as the rounded roof corners and the "effort put into making the character lines horizontal" (according to exterior design manager Manabu Fukuda), which convey the manufacturer's dedication.

Furthermore, the new model finally introduces a turbocharger option. This turbo model aims to cover areas where the naturally aspirated model previously struggled, such as merging onto highways and accelerating during overtakes.

To add a bit more technical detail, the new model adopts the new-generation DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform, characterized by high rigidity and light weight. The suspension system has also been improved, promising enhanced handling.

Driving the turbo model (the front-wheel-drive "Theory G Turbo" grade) proved to be more enjoyable than expected. The engine revs smoothly from very low RPMs, accelerating briskly past 3,000 rpm where the turbo kicks in, all the way to 6,400 rpm where it reaches its maximum power of 47kW.

With a vehicle weight of only 900kg, the acceleration feels nimble and responsive. The suspension, as Daihatsu claims, is well-tuned, providing a high level of comfort at highway speeds and excellent body stability when cornering.

Daihatsu developers aimed for the Move Canbus to be "shareable between fathers and daughters." Indeed, the turbo model is recommendable even for fathers with extensive driving experience.