So, Fuji Heavy Industries stop making their own kei cars, making the current Stella the last of its kind but the Stella name lives on as an OEM of Daihatsu's TNP27 Move!
A certain Minkara blogger showed a leaflet obtain from a Subaru dealer, stating that the next generation Subaru Stella is the Pleiades' version of TNP27 Move. Class-leading fuel efficiency, possible idling stop feature, and two flavors (standard and Custom), this could be what the next Stella would look like.
According to the leaflet, sales of the TNP27 Stella commence this late May 2011.
Once upon a time, in the Land of the Rising Sun, there were three kings of fuel economy. First there was the fourth-generation Nissan March (known in other markets as the Micra), second was the new third-generation Toyota Vitz (Yaris), and third is the fifth-generation Daihatsu Move.
I know. Three non-hybrid cars were reigned as the three kings of low fuel consumption thanks to its idling stop technology and CVT. These two gifts that powered the Three Kings. There were like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and King Kong. Come to think of it, the leader was none other than the new 5th-generation Daihatsu Move because of the fuel economy of 27.0km/L. The second best is the Toyota Vitz that has the fuel economy of 26.5km/L. Third place goes to the Nissan March because of the fuel economy of 26.0km/L.
I guess fuel economy is the main reason how these Three Kings behave normally in the eyes of Japanese customers. How about the target customers? The 4th-generation March is mostly targeted to someone who want a normal car and its normal behavior is the main priority. The 3rd-generation Vitz has four various styles offered for different customers. The Vitz F is made for those who want a simple vehicle, the Vitz U is rather an improved version of the Vitz F and made for advanced customers. The Vitz Jewela is made for the most fashionable people, especially the ladies. The Vitz RS is an enthusiasts' favorite because of the sporty characteristic and the manual transmission. The 5th-generation Move has two styles; the normal Move is made for simple and the Move Custom is made for those looking for style. The best variant for the Move is not always the Move Custom but its always the Move Custom RS because of the turbo engine fit for a kei car enthusiast.
Those Three Kings of low fuel consumption stand together as one for now, and always will be...
Disney interior package for the 2011 Daihatsu Move/Move Custom
With the launch of the new, fifth-generation, Daihatsu Move, it seems there will be lots of customization items offered for the new model.
Aside from that, there is a very special customization for the new Move that has a special guest star! That's right! The mouse is in the Move because there's a special Disney interior package!
This special customization covers the seats and flooring with everything Mickey! Yes! There's a hidden Mickey inside the new Move! It comes in two colors; white and pink! Most of the Disney seat covers and the Disney floormat comes with the Air Wash, so cleaning them up is a breeze.
Looks like most women would love to have a Hidden Mickey inside the new Move!
Since its debut in 1995, the Daihatsu Move is Japan's most respectful small compact cars that can compete with Suzuki's fastest selling Wagon R. The Daihatsu Move underwent four full model changes from 1998, 2002, and 2006, with the addition of the Custom variant that appeals to the young drivers looking for an edge of style. Now, just in time before Christmas 2010, the fastest selling Daihatsu, the Move, is now evolved to its much anticipated fifth-generation model.
2011 Daihatsu Move
2011 Daihatsu Move Custom
Even when the Move is now on its fifth model change, it still offers two styles that depends on the Japanese customers' personal tastes. If they want it more simpler, the normal Daihatsu Move is offered, but for those who think that style is an option, the Move Custom fits their personal preferences.
Aside from its new model change, the new Daihatsu Move made even more economical and eco-friendly thanks to Daihatsu's first idling stop system, dubbed as Eco Idle, that allows the engine to be automatically shut off when the car stopped, for instance; stopped at the red light or at the stop sign. The Eco Idle is somewhat similar to Mazda's i-stop (found in the Mazda Axela, Biante, and the new Premacy) and Toyota's Smart Stop (iQ Go 6MT and the upcoming third-generation Vitz/Yaris). With the Eco Idle equipped on the newly upgraded 658cc KF engine, the new Daihatsu Move has the maximum fuel economy of a majestic 27.0km/L (in 2WD variants). I got to say it, the new Daihatsu Move's fuel economy is greater than the new Nissan March K13 and the upcoming third-generation Toyota Vitz/Yaris combined. For those looking for power, there is a turbocharged KF engine available exclusively on the new Daihatsu Move Custom RS that has the power output of 64PS and the fuel economy of 22km/L (Custom RS 2WD). Both the new Move and Move Custom are equipped with the Continuous Variable Transmission for optimized fuel efficiency.
2011 Daihatsu Move interior
2011 Daihatsu Move Custom interior
On the standard Daihatsu Move, the exterior seems to be aggressive but simple. On its interior, there's a simple touch and contrast between the beige colored seats, simple scooter-like tachometer, and a relaxing atmosphere. Most women would love to take advantage on this variant. On the Daihatsu Move Custom, this kind of Move is the most aggressive kei car ever expected aside from the front headlamps resembles like the previous model and the bumper similar to the Tanto ExeCustom. Step inside and this one's too manly for its own right. Looks like the enthusiasts' choice not always the Move Custom, but the Move Custom RS because of the RS exclusive Momo steering wheel armed and ready to take flight.
My thoughts about the Move:
The Move might have been defeated by the Suzuki Wagon R in terms of sales, but now its back with a vengeance and its ready for its payback to claim its "kei number one" status from the Suzuki Wagon R (in regular and Stingray). Now that the Suzuki Wagon R is equipped with the idling stop, the new Daihatsu Move comes ready with the Eco Idle system, which means the new Move's fuel efficiency could really crush the Suzuki Wagon R for good. Can the new Move claim back its number one status once and for all?
Adopting the new concept "TNP27" (TNP means Teinenpi, which is Japanese for fuel economy) referring to the fuel economy of a majestic 27.0km/L, the new Move is now reborn, retouched, and renewed to become one with nature thanks to its eco-car status and the qualification of Japan's "eco-car genzei" system, which receives a tax deduction of 75% off.
