MPV of the Year
Maxus MIFA 9
The MIFA 9 is Maxus' take on a premium electric MPV and there's plenty about it that will impress buyers. Apart from its futuristic styling, it has a high-tech cabin with more than enough space for both passengers and their luggage, as four suitcases can still fit behind the third-row seats. The electric motor delivers 241bhp and an instantaneous 350Nm of torque, while the 90kWh battery offers a maximum driving range of 435km.
Special Features
Reviews
 
Like: Quiet and powerful drive. Suspension has been optimally configured for driver and passengers. Solid build with panels put together in perfect alignment. Soft closing of sliding door adds a touch of refinement. With regenerative braking, the disc brakes are expected to experience less wear. Luxurious interior with Nappa leather-clad seats. Air-conditioner is powerful and effectively cools car quickly. Huge sunroofs enhance the ambience significantly. 360 degrees camera view very helpful in navigating the huge car through tight spots.Dislike: Lane departure warning overtly intrusive and needs to be turned off every time the car is started although the widget allows this function to be deactivated easily.Overall: Excellent MPV that circumvents problem of heavy fuel consumption by means of electrification.
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Likes:Easy to drive given it's huge size Ultra-premium feel of the MPV compared to similar classWon't know it's a China-made EV unless went to do some basic research Actual driving range is higher than advertised Vehicle energy consumption is relatively low given it's a huge and heavy MPV Dislike: Relatively buggy entertainment head unit. Some updates needed to fix the bugs Some settings constantly reset to default, while not serious. It affect overall driving experience. Don't have physical button for on and off of vehicle. Overall: It's a great family MPV for huge family or need to ferry elderly parents. Spacious interior makes getting in and out of vehicle easy. The sliding door is of great design. Some getting used to is needed as vehicle is huge.
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Verdict
The Maxus MIFA 9 brings something truly unique to the people-mover market in Singapore, for it is the first premium electric MPV that's built on a dedicated platform. MIFA is an acronym for Maximum, Intelligent, Friendly, and Artistic, which clearly indicates Maxus' aim with this model.

It certainly has plenty of road presence. With a length of 5,270mm and a wheelbase measuring 3,200mm long, it's no surprise that its interior is nothing short of cavernous.

Unlike other seven-seater MPVs with a 2+3+2 seat layout, the MIFA 9's seats are in a 2+2+3 layout. That means luxurious, electrically adjustable captain's chairs for the second-row passengers (who have the best seats in the 'house'), and easier ingress/egress for occupants in the last row.

Amenities here include a 220-volt outlet for those who need to charge their laptops on the go, a sliding panoramic sunroof, and secondary air-con controls on the ceiling. The large windows also help give the cabin a lighter and airier vibe.

Up front, the MIFA 9's fully digitised cockpit is as futuristic as its exterior design suggests. Minimalism is the name of the game here as instead of physical buttons on the dashboard, most of the functions are kept in the infotainment system, resulting in a very neat dashboard. Storage bins, along with the USB-C ports, make this space practical and useful as well.

The MIFA 9's silky smooth propulsion comes from an electric motor that's fed by a large capacity 90kWh lithium-ion battery. With 241bhp and 350Nm of torque, this people-mover quietly accelerates from rest to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds. With cushy damping, occupants are assured of a comfy ride.

It's big, futuristic, and has brought much to the table. There was no other model like the Maxus MIFA 9 in 2023, and that's why it's been crowned this year's MPV of the Year.