LDV MIFA can’t match Kia Carnival on price

LDV Australia has priced the new 2023 LDV MIFA from $53,990 drive-away, establishing a premium position for the Chinese brand’s people-mover that climbs as high as $73K at the top end of the three-tiered range.

The entry-level pricing positions the MIFA right in the heart of Kia Carnival territory, with the Korean brand’s established favourite starting from $47,480 plus ORCs. The Carnival diesel starts $2000 upstream.

There’s no such oil-burning powertrain offered on the MIFA at launch, despite it being homologated for our market.

Instead, the MIFA –  an acronym for Maximum, Intelligent, Friendly and Artistic – relies on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 160kW and 360Nm.

Drive is sent to the front wheels via an Aisin-sourced eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

Tipping the scales between 2040kg and 2230kg (depending on the model), the MIFA’s claimed combined-cycle fuel consumption is 9.3L/100km.

LDV has also previously confirmed that a full-electric version, known as the MIFA 9, will also be made available in Australia.

The base-spec seven-seat MIFA Mode comes highly equipped, with 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED exterior lighting, chrome exterior trim and an integrated roof spoiler.

Inside, drivers are greeted by a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, manually adjustable leatherette seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment system housing smartphone mirroring and Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker sound system, reversing camera and adaptive cruise control.

The mid-series Executive (priced from $63,990 drive-away) ups the ante with electric seat adjustment for the first and second rows, two extra speakers, wireless phone charging pad, rain-sensing wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, electric side doors, powered tailgate, dual sunroofs, adaptive headlights, 19-inch alloys and rear privacy glass.

The flagship Luxe (from $72,990) goes even further with genuine leather upholstery, 64-colour ambient lighting, seat heating, cooling and massage functions for the first two rows and a premium 12-speaker sound system.

All models are offered from launch exclusively in a 2+2+3 seating configuration – the second row comprising two captain’s chairs – before an eight-seat option arrives early next year.

On the safety front, all MIFA models are fitted with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, fatigue reminder and attention assist, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and a speed assist system.

The MIFA is backed by a seven-year/200,000km warranty – the first time the Chinese brand’s local importer has extended coverage to seven years – and a five-year/130,000km roadside assist program.

Service intervals are listed at 10,000km or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

The colour palette includes Metal Black, Pearl White, Dynasty Red and Mica Blue, while Concrete Grey is available with an accented black roof.

Based on the same platform as the LDV Deliver 9 commercial van, the MIFA measures 5280mm long, 1845mm high and 1998mm wide, and rests on a 3200mm wheelbase.

The load space is rated at 466 litres with all three rows in place, extending to 1703L when the rearmost seats are folded.

Maximum braked towing capacity is 2000kg.

How much does the 2023 LDV MIFA cost?
Mode – $53,990
Executive – $63,990
Luxe – $72,990
* All prices are drive-away (including on-road costs)

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