How the LDV MIFA takes luxury and comfort to new heights

People movers, by their very nature, are great for moving people, physically. But most of them aren’t very good at moving people from an emotional point of view.

Some mini vans are exactly that, a basic family transporter converted from a workhorse delivery vehicle, and are subsequently compromised in terms of creature comforts and conveniences.

And, especially for large families that are already balancing a tight budget, most of them are prohibitively expensive to buy.

However, the LDV MIFA is an exception to that rule. It challenges the status of a traditional people mover by providing large families with an affordable option that boasts many features – both in terms of conveniences and safety – and the ultimate in luxury. It’s like a limousine for the whole family.

So, let’s check it out…

The LDV MIFA is a stylish seven-seat people mover that is offered in three model variants: Mode, Executive and Luxe.

It provides families with potential savings compared to its rivals as it is the most accessible vehicle in its segment. In fact, the latest LDV promotion, which extends until September 30, 2024, sees prices starting (for private buyers on 2023-plated new stock) from $46,971 drive away for the entry-level Mode and topping out at $63,501 drive away for the flagship Luxe.

On top of that, the LDV MIFA brings added long-term security with a seven-year or 200,000km warranty (whichever occurs first) and eases the cost-of-living pressures on Australian families with five-years of free roadside assistance.

All three variants of the LDV MIFA have an extensive list of standard equipment that amplifies the value equation and ensures all passengers are treated to the utmost in convenience and comfort.

All three models share the same seven-seat configuration with two individual chairs in the second row and a spacious, easily accessible three-person bench in the rear.

Even at the entry-level, the Mode variant rides on 18-alloy wheels, has LED headlights and chrome exterior trim and comes equipped with a long list of luxurious features. We’re talking leatherette trim, air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system and seven USB power sockets throughout the cabin, along with a twin-digital display that combines a 7.0-inch multi-function instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch colour multimedia touchscreen, with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The mid-spec Executive model rides on larger 19-inch alloys and introduces even more features inside the cabin, such as front and rear sunroofs, electrically operated sliding rear doors on each side, an electric tailgate, multi-zone air conditioning with an air purifier and separate controls for rear-seat occupants, four-way electrically adjustable front seats, an eight-speaker sound system and a wireless phone charging pad. The second-row seats offer heating and ventilation and also feature electric adjustment with four-way lumbar support, a retractable footrest and even a massage function. Now that’s travelling in style!

But the flagship Luxe model goes even further and is more like a genuine limousine, thanks to premium features such as genuine leather trim seating, 64-colour interior ambient lighting, a 12-speaker audio system, and reclining Captain’s Chairs in the second row with an eight-mode massage function and built-in tray tables.

Unlike other people movers, the LDV MIFA provides all occupants with luxury, comfort and convenience.

For front seat occupants, you could be forgiven for thinking the LDV was a modern prestige sedan thanks to its stylish, minimalist design, sumptuous materials and chrome highlights.

Both seats provide excellent adjustment with plenty of head and legroom and a commanding and clear view of the road ahead.

Plus, there’s heaps of small item storage spaces in – and underneath – the centre console, along with twin cupholders, a wireless charging pad (in Executive and Luxe), a covered area with dual-opening arm rests, large bottle holders in the door pockets, as well as fold-out tray tables (Luxe model only).

Access to the rear cabin is easy thanks to the large sliding doors on each side, and even more convenient with electric operation in the Executive and Luxe models, where occupants are treated to a spacious, light-filled environment.

The twin-seat middle-row configuration in the Mode and Executive variants not only ensures that older children and adults are treated to their own space, but also provides easy, walk-though access to the third row as well as a less obstructed rear-view for the driver. The Captain’s Chairs in the flagship Luxe deliver the ultimate in comfort, like a business class airliner.

In any specification, the second-row chairs are easy to adjust for access to the third row as the base cushions slide forward on rails and the backrests move forward at the touch of a button. Even back there, occupants seated on the 60:40 split-fold bench are provided with almost as much head and legroom as those in the middle.

Both the second and third row also feature twin cupholders and USB power outlets, and there are additional bottle holders for those in the middle.

Behind the third row, the LDV MIFA provides more than enough boot space to cater for a family with 466L of capacity when all three rows are in place. This expands to a cavernous 1702L when the third row is folded flat and a gargantuan 2017L with only the front seats in use.

Most importantly, especially for families carrying their most precious cargo, the LDV MIFA is among the best in its class for safety, with a maximum five-star ANCAP rating from 2022.

That’s because all occupants are afforded protection from seven airbags, including dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, as well as a centre airbag between the front seats, as standard.

On top of that, all models are fitted with a comprehensive suite of advanced crash avoidance systems, such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and traffic sign recognition.

The entry-level Mode has rear parking sensors and a reverse camera while the higher-grade Executive and Luxe variants add front parking sensors and a 360-degree parking view camera system.

All models have three ISOFIX child restraint locations with top tether points: two in the second row and another on the passenger side of the rear bench.

Unlike rival models, LDV makes it easier for families to choose the features they need rather than what’s under the bonnet as all three variants share the same mechanical configuration.

All are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 160kW of power and 360Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The engine consumes a claimed average of 9.3L/100km and has a 70L fuel tank, providing the ability to travel more than 700km before needing to refuel. This makes the LDV MIFA super productive for use around town, especially for commercial operators, and an ideal companion for long-distance family road trips.

If anything, the LDV MIFA doesn’t compromise on any member of the family. For starters, and unlike some of its competitors, it doesn’t appear or drive like a delivery van with windows and seats. Instead, it has a modern and stylish design that doesn’t look out of place in front of a high-end hotel or a suburban high school and, secondly, a genuinely luxurious cabin that prioritises passenger comfort and convenience above all else.

Most importantly though, the LDV MIFA delivers all of that without a budget-busting price tag.

To learn more about the LDV MIFA, head to the LDV website.