The dominant Kia Carnival people-mover has some new competition from China, in the form of the new LDV MIFA.
Loosely replacing the old van-based LDV G10, the new MIFA is a far more sophisticated proposition with a steeper $53,990 (drive-away) price of entry.
With segment luminaries such as the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Tarago now retired, some healthy competition seems like a welcome development.
The striking design includes a huge front grille flanked by slim headlights, sliding side doors in proper people mover style, and a distinctive full-width rear light bar.
The interior at launch will come with seven seats in a 2-2-3 format, but an eight-seater variant will launch in 2023.
Depending on trim level, headline features include electric dual-sliding rear doors, four-way electrically adjustable Captain’s Chairs, a sliding and folding third row to maximise luggage space, and a power tailgate.
Inside there are fold-out tray tables, footrests, numerous cup and bottle holders and seven USB ports throughout the cabin, plus 64 ambient lighting colour choices on top-spec versions.
The displays include a 7.0-inch instrument readout and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Also available is a heated leather steering wheel, digital rear view mirror, and wireless phone charging pad.
In terms of safety, there are driver, passenger, side and full-length curtain airbags, plus driver-assist features such as:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keep assist
- Fatigue reminder and attention assist
- Adaptive LED headlights with auto high beam
- Rear collision warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Power comes from a familiar, in-house-designed 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 160kW of power and 360Nm of torque driving the front wheels, mated to an eight-speed Aisin automatic transmission.
Claimed combined cycle fuel economy is 9.3L/100km.
However, LDV also plans to launch a market-first full-electric MIFA 9 shortly, using a 90kWh lithium-ion battery, and offering a claimed WLTP range of up to 440km depending on the variant.
The MIFA will come with a seven-year or 200,000km warranty and will have servicing intervals of 12 months or 10,000km. LDV also provides five years of roadside assist.
“The all-new MIFA is set to shake-up its segment thanks to its sleek exterior styling, the latest safety and technology features, and room for up to seven passengers to travel in comfort and style no matter how far the journey,” claims LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa.
“Who said the practical people mover couldn’t look cool? With its revolutionary design, next-level passenger comfort and convenience, and impressive levels of standard safety equipment, the all-new MIFA has advanced the people mover game significantly.”
Keep an eye out for a full pricing and spec story on the MIFA shortly.
Note: LDV MIFA Executive variant is pictured throughout.
2023 LDV MIFA pricing
- Mode: $53,990
- Executive: $63,990
- Luxe: $72,990
All prices are drive-away.
