DAIHATSU MOVE CUSTOM MOVE CUSTOM 2014 City And Highway Performance Ride Quality Economy Practicality

I’ve separated points by topic and noted where numbers depend on engine/trim.

Overview

The 2014 DAIHATSU MOVE CUSTOM (LA100 series in many markets) is a tall, compact kei car designed primarily for urban use. It emphasizes space efficiency, easy manoeuvrability and low running costs. Below are focused notes on how it behaves in city and highway driving, what to expect from ride quality, fuel economy, and everyday practicality. Where specific performance or economy figures matter, I indicate how they depend on engine or trim.

City vs Highway Performance

• City driving: The Move Custom excels in town. Short front and rear overhangs, a tight turning circle and light steering make parking and weaving through traffic straightforward. The higher roofline and upright seating position give excellent visibility for urban traffic and pedestrians.
• Acceleration and responsiveness: Most 2014 Move Customs use 660cc three-cylinder engines (available naturally aspirated and turbocharged). Non-turbo engines provide modest acceleration—ample for stop-and-go traffic and inner-city speed limits. Turbo variants deliver notably stronger mid-range response, making hill starts and quick overtakes easier.
  Practical effect: if your driving is mostly in town, a naturally aspirated engine is typically sufficient and slightly more frugal; for frequent motorway runs or high-load driving, the turbo model is more usable.

• Highway driving: Being a kei car with a sub-660cc engine means highway cruising is feasible but less relaxed than larger cars. On sustained high-speed sections, expect higher revs, reduced overtaking reserve in non-turbo units, and more sensitivity to crosswinds due to the high-sided body. Turbo models help a lot with merges and passing, but the Move Custom is still best suited to moderate-speed highways rather than sustained autobahn-style driving.
• Transmission: Most Move Customs come with a CVT. The CVT keeps the engine in its efficient band, smoothing acceleration; however, under full load or steep inclines it can feel strained and noisy. Some trims may offer simulated shift modes to help control engine revs during spirited driving.

Ride Quality and Comfort

• Suspension tuning: Suspension is tuned for comfort and low-speed compliance—small bumps and broken urban pavement are soaked up reasonably well. The softer setup helps ride comfort but increases body roll in fast corners.
• Road and wind noise: Road noise insulation is adequate for the class. At urban speeds it’s quiet; on the highway you will notice more engine and wind noise, especially with the smaller engines working hard.
• Seating and ergonomics: Seats are upright with decent support for short-to-medium trips. Taller passengers will appreciate headroom but legroom remains compact compared with non-kei small cars. Controls are generally logical and within easy reach.
• Trim and options effect: Higher trims often include firmer seats, better sound-deadening and small comfort touches (different steering wheel, climate controls) that make longer rides more pleasant.

Fuel Economy

• Typical consumption: Fuel economy is one of the Move’s strong points. Depending on engine, transmission, and driving style, expect roughly:
  Approximate range: 20–30 km/L (about 47–70 mpg US / 56–82 mpg UK) in mixed driving when driven conservatively. Real-world urban-only consumption tends toward the lower end of the range; careful highway cruising in light-load conditions may reach the upper end.

• Engine / trim dependency: Naturally aspirated engines are usually the most economical in gentle city use. Turbocharged models, while more powerful, can be a bit thirstier under hard acceleration; however, because they reduce the need to “push” the engine, they can be equally efficient in mixed use if you avoid frequent heavy throttle.
• Factors that affect economy: heavy payload, sustained high-speed driving, aggressive throttle use, and use of air conditioning will all reduce fuel economy. Tire condition and gear ratio (CVT settings) also play roles.

Practicality

• Space and packaging: The Move Custom benefits from a tall, boxy design that converts a small footprint into a roomy cabin. Headroom is generous and shoulder room is usable for four adults at city speeds. Rear-seat passengers are comfortable for short to medium trips.
• Cargo flexibility: Boot space is modest with rear seats up but becomes significantly more usable when the rear seats fold. The split/folding rear seats (available on most trims) enable carrying longer items while retaining a passenger or two.
• Daily usability: Large door openings and a low load floor make loading groceries, pushchairs or small furniture easy. Visibility, small turning circle and light controls reduce driver fatigue in stop-start traffic.
• Safety and equipment: Basic safety items such as airbags, ABS and seatbelt pre-tensioners are typically fitted; advanced driver-assist features (lane-keep, autonomous braking) depend on market and trim and may be unavailable on older or base models. Check specific trim lists when shopping.

When the Move Custom Makes Sense

• Urban commuters who prioritise low running costs, easy parking and interior space in a tiny footprint.
• Drivers who want a fuel-efficient second car for local errands and school runs.
• Buyers who occasionally need a small, flexible cargo area but rarely carry full highway loads or long-distance luggage for five adults.

When to Consider Something Else

• If you frequently do high-speed, long-distance motorway journeys with full loads, a larger-engined subcompact or compact car will be more relaxed and safer at speed.
• If you need high towing capacity, heavy-luggage long trips for five adults, or advanced driver-assistance systems as standard, look at larger models or newer cars with those features included.

Final thoughts

The 2014 DAIHATSU MOVE Custom is a practical, economical city car that delivers more interior space than its exterior suggests. City performance is where it shines—easy to drive, park and live with—while highway use is possible but limited by the small-displacement engines unless you opt for the turbo variant. Ride comfort is city-oriented and generally pleasant, while fuel economy is a strong point, especially for naturally aspirated units under conservative driving. Practicality is high for day-to-day life thanks to clever packaging and flexible seating; however, buyers with frequent long-distance or high-speed needs should weigh the Move against larger alternatives.

FAQs

Q: Which engine should I pick — turbo or non-turbo?

A: If you mainly drive in town and prioritise absolute fuel economy and lower purchase/maintenance cost, a naturally aspirated engine is fine. If you regularly use highways, need easier overtakes or drive with passengers/luggage, choose the turbo for better mid-range performance.

Q: Is the Move Custom reliable?

A: DAIHATSU has a good reputation for simple, reliable kei-car mechanics. Reliability will depend on maintenance history; regular servicing, timing of consumables and addressing rust or suspension wear are typical ownership considerations.

Q: How many people can it carry comfortably?

A: It seats four adults comfortably for short trips; five is possible but rear center comfort is limited for longer journeys. Headroom is generous but legroom is compact compared to larger cars.

Q: What is a realistic fuel economy in mixed driving?

A: Expect roughly 20–30 km/L (47–70 mpg US) depending on engine, trim, load and driving style. Real-world city use typically sits near the lower half of that range.

Q: Are safety features good on this model?

A: Basic safety gear (airbags, ABS) is common; more advanced systems depend on trim and market. Verify the spec sheet of the exact vehicle you’re considering for features like stability control or ADAS.

Q: Is it a good family car?

A: For small families needing a second city car it’s excellent—easy to park, economical and practical. For full-time family use with frequent long trips or needing lots of luggage space, a larger vehicle might be better suited.