Maxus MIFA 7 Elite Review: More Than Just Space

There was a time when buying a seven-seater meant accepting that driving enjoyment would take a back seat. Quite literally, sometimes…

Well thankfully, things have changed. And the Maxus MIFA 7 Elite is another reminder that family motoring need not be a punishment for whoever happens to be holding the steering wheel.

Let's start with the obvious. This is a big MPV - measuring 4,907 mm long, 1,885 mm wide and 1,756 mm tall, with a generous 2,975 mm wheelbase, the MIFA 7 comfortably outsizes the Toyota Sienta, Honda Freed and BYD M6.

Its proportions are unapologetically boxy, but that's precisely the point; every centimetre is intended to benefit the people inside rather than satisfy some designer's obsession with looking sporty.

Then there's Twilight Blush, a recently introduced colour that gives the MIFA 7 an unexpectedly fashionable personality. It's distinctive without being outrageous, and I can imagine soccer mums finding this particular shade rather attractive.

Who says the school run cannot be stylish?

The Inside Story

Cabin wise, the MIFA 7 gets the fundamentals right. The cockpit is straightforward, logically arranged and refreshingly easy to familiarise yourself with. You don't need an engineering degree or a patient teenager to explain how everything works.

Equipment levels are respectable, too, particularly considering that this is the entry-level Elite variant - it offers enough everyday conveniences to hold its own against the Sienta, Freed and M6.

That said, not everything feels equally convincing. The indicator and wiper stalks, together with the gear selector, have a rather inexpensive tactile quality. They function perfectly adequately, but their feel doesn't quite match the otherwise pleasant cabin. Considering how frequently these controls are used, better-quality switchgear would have been appreciated.

The audio system is similarly unremarkable - it's bearable, perfectly serviceable for the daily commute, but hardly something that will have audiophiles applauding.

Fortunately, passenger comfort is where the MIFA 7 makes a stronger impression. The spacious cabin accommodates seven occupants, while the long wheelbase helps provide generous passenger accommodation. Roof-mounted air-conditioning vents distribute cool air across the rows, something particularly appreciated in Singapore's tropical climate; after all, keeping seven people happy is difficult enough without somebody in the third row complaining about the heat…

Boot capacity stands at 280-litres with all seats in use. It's adequate for smaller bags, although families travelling with seven occupants and substantial luggage will still need to pack thoughtfully.

Technically Speaking

Underneath, it uses a single front-mounted electric motor producing 108 kW (145 bhp) and 350 Nm of torque.

Its 0 to 100 km/h time of 11.9 seconds won't frighten anything remotely sporting, but that's hardly the point of this MPV. More importantly, the electric motor delivers its torque smoothly, making everyday acceleration predictable and easy to manage.

The 77 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery provides a quoted driving range of 410 km, with official energy consumption of 4.8 km/kWh, equivalent to approximately 20.8 kWh/100 km. Charging capability extends to 11 kW AC and 120 kW DC, making the MIFA 7 reasonably practical for Singapore's increasingly established charging infrastructure.

But what genuinely surprised me wasn't the electric drivetrain - it was the chassis.

At 2,200 kg, the MIFA 7 is certainly no lightweight. Yet, despite its substantial dimensions and mass, there's a reassuring degree of composure in the way it drives; the front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension have clearly been calibrated with considerable thought.

Over uneven surfaces, the suspension absorbs imperfections without becoming excessively soft or floaty. Body movements remain reasonably controlled, and the MIFA 7 doesn't feel as cumbersome as its size might suggest.

More impressively, there's an underlying competence to the chassis when negotiating corners. No, this isn't something you'll enthusiastically throw through a series of bends, but it responds with enough confidence to remind you that somebody at Maxus actually bothered about the driving experience. And that's commendable.

On the expressway, the MIFA 7 settles into its element. Its smooth power delivery, comfortable suspension and relaxed cruising manners make longer journeys genuinely pleasant. I could easily imagine an entire family enjoying a weekend drive up to Malaysia, with everyone comfortably accommodated and the driver arriving considerably less exhausted.

Maxus clearly understands its target audience. Rather than attempting to inject unnecessary sportiness into a family MPV, it has concentrated on ride comfort, stability and predictable handling. The result is a suspension setup that feels properly sorted for its intended purpose.

In A Nutshell

Against the Toyota Sienta, Honda Freed and BYD M6, the Category A MIFA 7 Elite makes a compelling case with its larger dimensions, generous passenger space, respectable equipment and, most impressively, a genuinely well-sorted chassis.

It isn't the quickest, nor does every cabin detail feel particularly premium; its size might also require extra patience in tighter car parks. But these are relatively small compromises for an MPV that gets the important things right.

What Maxus has achieved here is a family seven-seater that's comfortable enough to keep everyone happy, yet surprisingly pleasant for the person behind the wheel. Its relaxed expressway manners and thoughtfully tuned suspension make it particularly convincing as a family cruiser.

And that, ultimately, is what makes the MIFA 7 Elite such a sensible proposition. It's big, comfortable, easy to live with and better to drive than you might expect.

The Twilight Blush colour? Well, that's just the icing on the cake.

Technical Specification - Maxus MIFA 7 Elite

Power/Torque: 145 bhp/350 Nm
Battery type/Capacity: Nickel manganese cobalt/77 kWh
Charging time: 4.7 hours (AC), 30 minutes (DC) - 30 to 80%
Range: 410 km (WLTP)
0-100 km/h: 11.9 seconds
Top speed: 170 km/h
Efficiency: 20.8 kWh/100 km
Agent: Cycle & Carriage Automotive Pte Ltd

Photos by Azfar Hashim (@azfar.talks)

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