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with JOHN MELLOR LDV MIFA PEOPLE MOVER HERE FROM $53,990 Ambitiously priced LDV Mifa MPV has 160kW 2.0-litre petrol, lots of standard kit

„ MATT BROGAN AND HAITHAM

RAZAGUI

LDV’s futuristically styled, three-variant Mifa people mover range is now available in Australia from $53,990 plus on-road costs and topping out at $72,990 + ORC for seven-seat versions, while eight-seaters will arrive early next year.

The Mifa’s entry and flagship prices are both higher than those of major competitors including the Kia Carnival ($47,480-$67,580 + ORC), Hyundai Staria ($48,500-$66,500 + ORC) and Volkswagen Caddy Maxi (from $48,140-$54,640 + ORC) – all before on-road costs.

LDV’s ambitious pricing for the Mifa pitches it against TDI340 versions of the VW Caravelle and Multivan ($66,490$75,490 + ORC) as well as the Toyota Granvia ($65,250-$75,950 + ORC).

According to LDV, the Mifa has been designed from the ground up with space, comfort and convenience in mind, while also bringing a comprehensive range of safety features to the segment.

The Mifa range begins with the entry-spec Mode from $53,990 + ORC, followed by the mid-tier Executive from $63,990 + ORC and top-shelf Luxe from $72,990 + ORC.

Alongside the driver, passenger, side and full-length curtain airbags, every Mifa variant is equipped with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, anti-lock brakes, stability control and emergency brake assist, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, fatigue reminder and attention assist, LED adaptive headlights with auto high beam assist, auto hold, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and a speed assist system.

Executive and Luxe grades get front and rear parking sensors plus a 360-degree camera and adaptive headlights with auto high beam system whereas the entry level Mode has rear sensors, a reversing camera and fixed-beam dusk-sensing LEDs.

The mid-and top-spec variants also get leather-trimmed steering wheels, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, 220-volt power outlet, rear privacy glass and dual pane sunroof that are absent from the base grade.

Over the Mode, Executive and Luxe grades have electric sliding side doors and a powered tailgate, heated auto-folding door mirrors, one-touch front window switches, rain-sensing wipers and cabin air purification. All have multizone climate control.

Exclusive to the Luxe are 64-colour ambient lighting, genuine leather uphol-

2023 LDV Mifa pricing*:

Mode (a) ....................................$53,990 Executive (a).............................$63,990 Luxe (a)......................................$72,990 *Pricing excludes on-road costs.

stery, eight-way driver’s seat adjustment with memory and front-seat heating, cooling and massage functions, while the Mode has manual adjustment and the Executive has eight-way electric adjustment for the driver and four-way electric adjustment for the front passenger. Executive and Luxe also have four-way lumbar support adjustment for both front seats.

In the second row, manually adjustable seats are in the Mode, the Executive has four-way adjustment with four-way lumbar support control and the Luxe has captain’s chairs with heating, cooling, massage and recline functions as well as extendable footrests. All variants have a manually reclining and sliding third-row bench as well as ISOFIX and top tether anchors for three child seats.

Every variant has a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment array wutg wired Apple CarPlay connectivity. A six-speaker sound system is fitted to the Mode, the Executive gets eight speakers and the Luxe twelve. Only the latter two get wireless mobile charging

Wheel choices extend to 18- or 19inch alloys in varying designs according to grade.

The Mifa is offered in a range of five colours: Metal Black, Pearl White, Dynasty Red, Mica Blue and Concrete Grey, the latter with an accented black roof.

LDV backs the Mifa with a seven-year/200,000km warranty and five-year/130,000km roadside assistance program with service intervals are set at 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first).

All Mifa variants are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 160kW and 360Nm, equipped as standard with an Aisin-sourced eight-speed automatic driving the front wheels. The WLTP Combined cycle fuel consumption figure for the range is quoted at 9.3 litres per 100km.

“The all-new LDV MIFA is a glimpse into the future,” said LDV general manager Dinesh Cinnappa.

“Who said the practical people mover couldn’t look cool? With its revolutionary design, next-level passenger comfort and convenience, and impressive levels of standard safety equipment, the all-new MIFA has advanced the people mover game significantly.

“The all-new MIFA is set to shake-up its segment thanks to its sleek exterior styling, the latest safety and technology features, and room for up to seven passengers to travel in comfort and style no matter how far the journey.”