The Daihatsu Move teardown was held on January 21 through 27, 2015, by the Hiroshima Industrial Promotion Organization. Part 1 of the teardown report about the mini vehicle (No. 1378 posted on February 19) focused on its equipment and components comparable to those in B-segment cars. Part 2 (No. 1380 posted on March 2) described the Move's high fuel economy and improved performance of the engine and transmission. This report focuses on the body structure of the fifth-generation 2014 Daihatsu Move X-turbo VS model (see Note 1).

 The fifth-generation Daihatsu Move has a linear body structure chosen to produce as much space as possible within the dimensional limits of the mini vehicle category in Japan (see Note 2). It is a rational structural design that ensures high body rigidity while keeping the vehicle weight to the minimum. As a result, the rigid body structure seems to contribute to improved impact safety, riding comfort and quietness.

 The front side member has a large cross-sectional area to maintain high strength and rigidity. However, the cross-sectional area changes near the front of the outer front wheel at the maximum steer angle so that the member yields under impact of collision to absorb the impact. The front pillar has a larger cross-sectional area around the front corner window than at other sections. This helps increase the rigidity at the joint between the engine compartment and the cabin. This design effectively reduces the cabin deformation in the event of a frontal collision. As discussed above, the high body rigidity appears to contribute to improved performance of the Move.

 (Note 1) The fully redesigned Move (sixth-generation Move) was launched in December 2014.
 (Note 2) The Japanese automobile regulations for mini vehicles require the overall length to be 3.4 meters or less, maximum width to be 1.48 meters or less, and maximum height to be 2 meters or less.

Previous teardown reports:

Specifications of the 2014 Daihatsu Move