Electric MPV of the Year
Maxus MIFA 7 Electric
The MIFA 9 may be grander, but Maxus' new MIFA 7, positioned one size down, is perhaps more compelling. Thanks to its slim lights and slab-sided body, it still boasts strong presence while offering extra versatility with its smaller dimensions. Not that space is lacking, too; all onboard get good head and legroom, while a 241bhp motor provides nice pep for ferrying seven. Best of all, it's priced competitively, promising to draw even more to the electric side.
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Reviews
 
I test drove the Maxus MiFA 7 Elite today, and I came away genuinely impressed. The cabin is remarkably quiet, and the overall technology offering is very strong for its price point of $199,999. For a full-size electric MPV with this level of equipment, it feels like a very good bargain.Ride comfort was another highlight. Despite having a multi-link rear suspension, what stood out most was how comfortable the car felt even from the third row. My wife sat there during the test drive and found it very comfortable, which is important because many seven-seaters tend to compromise heavily on last-row comfort.With a 10-year battery warranty and 10 years of free servicing, I honestly find it difficult to nitpick too much. The overall package feels well thought out and highly competitive for families looking for a spacious electric MPV.My only concern is the plastic cladding around the second-row seats. Judging from the display unit, those areas seem to scratch rather easily, so long-term cosmetic durability may be something to watch out for. That said, this is more of a minor interior durability concern than a major deal-breaker. Overall, the MiFA 7 Elite left a very positive impression on me.
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Verdict
Maxus had already thrown its hat into the electric MPV ring earlier on with the MIFA 9, but it was really when the smaller MIFA 7 arrived this year that a fuller vision of mainstream appeal came into view.

Positioned below its larger brother both in size and price, the MIFA 7 has all the makings of a great people-mover for Singapore's roads.

Its smaller size, sitting at under five metres long and less than 1.9m wide, makes it more manageable for our roads, even as it maintains a domineering presence thanks to its slab-like styling. At the same time, it manages to retain more than enough space to ensure seven can come along for the ride, and not have to jostle for space while they're at it.

Don't mistake its more palatable price point for a lack of creature comforts too.

Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless mobile charging tray up front, and both a powered tailgate and powered sliding doors; step up to the Premium trim, and you even get Nappa leather and ventilated driver's seats.

Throughout the cabin - but especially on the second row's captain's chairs - occupants will also find some of the cushiest leather seats on offer, while an eight-speaker JBL sound system should ensure that all onboard can take turns to fully enjoy their 2024 Spotify Wrapped playlists.

In moments when silence is preferred, however, the MIFA 7 also delivers strongly. Propulsion from its single electric motor - capable of a commendable 180kW and 350Nm of torque - is quiet, smooth and instant. In this state, the cabin's ability to keep tyre roar and wind noise at bay (the latter quality likely comes courtesy of the windscreen's acoustic glass) is highlighted even further too. Best of all, you won't even have to recharge the MIFA 7 too often since its 90kWh battery provides up to 480km of range.

The larger electric MPVs will continue to duke it out amongst themselves - throwing in all the material luxuries and technologies while at it to reign supreme. (And competition looks like it will stiffen further still in this segment.) The Mifa 7, however, should be perfectly content where it is with the sweet-spot formula it's already pulled together as a people-mover.