2024 LDV Mifa Mode: Quick Review

Targeting families in need of ample space, this people-mover from Chinese brand LDV is positioned as a direct competitor to the Kia Carnival and Hyundai Staria.

With three rows of seating, sliding doors the LDV Mifa Mode is able to comfortably carry seven passengers with plenty of space.

While LDV does provide an excessively priced Mifa 9 electric model ($104,000 onwards), this turbo-petrol version presents a more financially sensible choice.

Available in three grades, Mode, Executive and Lux the range is quite simple compared to other key players.

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Pricing and features

The entry-level Mode variant comes in at $53,990 drive-away.

Standard across the entire range is a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine produces 160kW/360Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic transmission.

The base model offers a list of impressive standard features including LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, and simulated leather upholstery. While a plastic steering wheel detracts slightly from the ambiance, the overall cabin exudes a reasonably pleasant atmosphere.

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Each trim level features a seven-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs. While the base model Mode requires manual adjustment for these seats, opting for the Executive or Luxe grants electric sliding adjustment along with heating and cooling capabilities, a recliner feature, and a massage function.

LDV states that the Mifa has 466 litres of boot space with the seats upright.

It's important to note that the payload for all trim levels is limited to 550kg, significantly less than competitors, potentially restricting the practicality of this vehicle as a family car.

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Safety

In 2022, the Mifa achieved the highest five-star ANCAP rating.

Standard equipment includes forward autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction detection, as well as rear AEB, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, safe exit warning, and adaptive cruise control.

A total of seven airbags are included, comprising dual front, front-centre, front side, and full-length curtain airbags.

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While the base model features a reversing camera with rear parking sensors, the Executive and Luxe trims add front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system, features that should ideally be standard for a family-oriented vehicle like this.

Key Rivals

Popular people movers in the segment and obvious key competitors include:

• Kia Carnival
• Hyundai Staria
• Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer
• Toyota Granvia
• Volkswagen Caravelle

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

If your priority is passenger space over boot capacity in a people mover, the LDV Mifa emerges as a compelling choice compared to the segment leader, especially when price is factored in.

The vehicle offers plenty of appealing features at a base grade, with the mid-spec Executive trim stands out from the bunch for its overall value proposition, adding key spec that one would appreciate in a vehicle of this size.