We last reviewed the Maxus Mifa 7 earlier this year. Its practicality and sensible pricing were key attributes in its attractiveness, and now Maxus has introduced yet another cheaper variant. One that falls under Category A of the COE ladder.

But, is the reduction of power a dealbreaker for the practical family man navigating Singapore’s urban landscape?

Just Enough Power

This new variant keeps the spaciousness and plush features of its Cat B sibling but recalibrates its electric motor to 108kW. Crucially, torque figures (350Nm) remain the same, offering just enough power to keep up with traffic. You will feel its heft with a full load of passengers, but with a full posse in tow, you wouldn’t want to speed anyway.

The suspension is tuned for comfort, gliding smoothly over most surfaces. Third row  passengers will especially feel a difference, as the rear wheels are fitted with multi-link rods.

However, show it a road with more undulations or go over a sharp bump quickly, and you’ll feel a bit of bounce. That said, this is hardly a dealbreaker in an MPV designed for family comfort, not Nürburgring laps.

Still The Right Size

The MIFA 7 is pretty much the maximum size you would want an MPV to be before it starts getting annoying. It’s a better fit for our roads and parking structures compared to other rivals, being much easier to manoeuvre through tight HDB car parks and narrow streets.  

But don’t mistake “smaller” for “less commanding.” The MIFA 7’s design ensures it still holds its own on the road. Its 1.75m height also means it won’t be dwarfed by opposing SUVs either.

Spacious And Smart

Speaking of height, the MIFA 7 shows its true strength on the inside. There’s room for everyone; slide the second row forward a little, and you’ll find plenty of head and legroom for six adults. 

The third row is spacious enough to accommodate an adolescent or two in comfort, and the seats feels just right in terms of width and height. For those needing extra help, grab handles and a wide step make entering the second row easier. 

Even with all seats up, the rear boot offers 270 litres of usable space, enough for groceries, school bags, or a baby stroller.

For the elderly or young children, the MIFA 7’s low 152mm ground clearance also makes getting in and out a breeze. The large sliding doors are an instant advantage over compact MPVs in this segment.

The Practical Choice

The Maxus MIFA 7 finds its niche in offering a balanced, value-packed MPV experience. It’s neither too large nor too cramped, with just the right amount of practicality for Singapore’s roads.  

There really isn’t another vehicle like this on the market now (at the time of writing). Coupled with its attractive pricing, you wouldn’t need to shop elsewhere too. 

Technical Specifications

Maxus MIFA 7 (108kW)

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Powertrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 108kW (145bhp)
Torque: 350Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A) Reduction Gear
0-100km/h: Unknown
Top Speed: 170 km/h
Battery Capacity: 90 kWh
Drive Range: 480 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 4.88 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$208,999 (Luxury), S$213,999 (Premium), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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It’s been over a year since we had our first encounter with the Maxus MIFA 9, a towering presence in the MPV world.

Now, Maxus has introduced its younger sibling, the MIFA 7. This all-electric MPV promises to deliver a balanced blend of size, comfort, and value.

Perfect then, for the practical family man navigating Singapore’s urban landscape.

Its Size Is Just Right

The MIFA 7 strikes a harmonious balance in size, making it a better fit for our roads and parking structures compared to its larger predecessor.

It’s shorter than a BMW 5 Series, making it much easier to manoeuvre through tight HDB car parks and narrow streets.

But don’t mistake “smaller” for “less commanding.” The MIFA 7’s bold design ensures it still holds its own on the road. Its 1.75m height also means it won’t be dwarfed by SUVs either.  

Comfortably Spacious, Smartly Designed

Step inside, and the MIFA 7 shows its true strength – space. There’s room for everyone; slide the second row forward a little, and you’ll find plenty of knee and legroom for six adults. That said, the third row is best reserved for shorter journeys or smaller occupants.

The seating height feels just right. For those needing extra help, grab handles and a wide step make entering the second row easier. 

The driver gets a 12.3-inch Infotainment Display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Tunes are blasted from an 8-speaker JBL Sound System, delivering crisp beats for all occupants.

Smooth Operator

The MIFA 7’s 241bhp electric motor (the same one found in the MIFA 9) offers enough power to keep up with traffic. It’s not sporty by any means, but the instant torque makes driving an MPV more engaging.   

The suspension is tuned for comfort, gliding smoothly over most surfaces. However, show it a road with more undulations, and you’ll feel a bit of bounce. That said, this is hardly a dealbreaker in an MPV designed for family comfort, not Nürburgring laps. 

During my test, I managed to average 20.7kWh/100km, which is pretty much bang on what Maxus claims the MIFA 7 can achieve. On a full charge, you’ll be looking at 400-450km of range.

Decent Price To Boot

At $232,999 (at the time of writing), the MIFA 7 undercuts many of its larger MPV rivals. 

There are, however, some trade-offs. The Luxury trim of the MIFA 7 lacks certain premium features like electrically adjustable and ventilated second-row seats—features available in the Premium’ trim for just $5,000 more.

If second-row passengers are a priority, it might be worth considering the upgrade.  

A Practical Choice for Families

The Maxus MIFA 7 finds its niche in offering a balanced, value-packed MPV experience. It’s neither too large nor too cramped, with just the right amount of performance and practicality for Singapore’s roads.  

If you’re in the market for a family vehicle that doesn’t break the bank, provides the benefits of electric driving, and still turns heads at school drop-offs, the MIFA 7 deserves your attention.

Technical Specifications

Maxus MIFA 7

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Powertrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 180kW (241bhp)
Torque: 350Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A) Reduction Gear
0-100km/h: 9.0 seconds
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Battery Capacity: 90 kWh
Drive Range: 480 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 4.88 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$221,999 (Luxury), S$226,999 (Premium), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Maxus Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Electric Vehicles (EVs) now seem to come in all shapes and sizes. However, if you want an EV that seats more than five occupants, your options are pretty much limited to models built on commercial van platforms. Examples include the Mercedes-Benz EQV 300, and the Opel Zafira-e Life.

Those accustomed to the car-like drivability of Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) such as the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Alphard for example, may find the aforementioned EV people movers a little unwieldy in tight parking spaces and not as refined as a sedan at expressway speeds.  

This is set to change however with the launch of the Maxus MIFA 9. Built on a passenger car rather than a commercial vehicle platform, the MIFA 9 is designed to be a premium electric MPV.  

The next big thing

If size matters to you, the MIFA 9 has impressive dimensions. This EV measures an impressive 5,300mm in length, 2,000mm in width, and stands tall at 1,840mm. Put into context, it is even larger than the renowned Toyota Alphard in most dimensions, boasting a generous 3200mm wheelbase, a whopping 200mm more than its Japanese counterpart.

Stepping inside the MIFA 9, you’ll immediately notice a significant leap in material quality. The interior exudes a sense of luxury.

Passengers in the middle row, for example, are treated to electrically-adjustable captain’s chairs with heated and cooling ventilation. Aural entertainment comes by way of an 8-speaker JBL system. 

The digital dashboard, however, steals the show, featuring a 7-inch instrument display that provides all the essential information at your fingertips. The centrepiece of the cockpit is a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Seamless connectivity? Check.

And if you’re in need of a power boost for your mobile devices, the MIFA 9 comes equipped with a generous number of USB outlets scattered throughout the cabin. Front occupants, on the other hand, can revel in the convenience of a wireless mobile device charger. It’s the little things that make a difference, right?

Range, power and charging 

Equipped with a 90kWh battery, it boasts an impressive travel range of 435km, ensuring you can embark on long journeys without worrying about running out of juice. And if time is of the essence, the MIFA 9 supports fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery from 30 to 80 per cent in a mere 30 minutes. For a full charge from 5 to 100 per cent using an 11kWh AC charger, it takes approximately 8.5 hours. 

What about the powerhouse? 

Powering its front wheels is a motor churning out 180kW (245hp) and 350Nm of torque. It can go from 0 to 100km/h in just 9.2 seconds. And if you’re craving a taste of adrenaline, it can reach a top speed of 180km/h.

Apparently an acronym for Maximum, Intelligent, Friendly and Artistic, the MIFA 9 was unveiled to the media on 7 July by the official dealer, Cycle & Carriage, the China-made MPV is priced at $282,999 with COE. 

In the coming months, a higher-spec’d version will be on sale for $302,999 with COE. Additional equipment on the latter is said to include a flip-down entertainment screen for the rear seated passengers and Nappa leather are among the highlights. 

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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