Verdict
The Maxus MIFA 9 costs RM269,888, RM11,000 more than the MINI Countryman at RM258,888, but it is a very different buy: a seven-seat electric MPV with 435 km range and a 1,010-litre boot against a five-seat petrol SUV with 460 litres. The MINI is the quicker, more driver-focused paper choice, doing 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds versus 9.2 seconds, and it gets all-wheel drive. For family carrying in Malaysia, the Maxus makes the stronger space case.
Pick the Maxus MIFA 9 if you need seven seats, electric running and far more luggage room than the MINI Countryman gives you.
Pick the MINI Countryman if you want the quicker car, all-wheel drive and more driver-assist convenience features in a smaller body.
Key differences
- Price: Maxus MIFA 9 RM269,888; MINI Countryman RM258,888
- Powertrain: Maxus MIFA 9 electric motor with 241 hp/350 Nm; MINI Countryman 2.0-litre turbo petrol with 201 hp/300 Nm
- Acceleration: Maxus MIFA 9 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds; MINI Countryman 7.4 seconds
- Seating: Maxus MIFA 9 has 7 seats; MINI Countryman has 5 seats
- Boot space: Maxus MIFA 9 1,010 litres; MINI Countryman 460 litres
- Size: Maxus MIFA 9 5,270 mm long/2,000 mm wide; MINI Countryman 4,433 mm long/1,843 mm wide
MIFA 9
- Seven-seat cabin versus the MINI Countryman’s five seats
- Much larger 1,010-litre boot
- 435 km EV range with 120 kW DC charging
- Slower 0-100 km/h time at 9.2 seconds versus 7.4 seconds
- Far larger body will need more space in town
- No listed front or rear parking sensors, while the MINI has six at each end
Countryman
- Quicker 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- All-wheel drive versus the Maxus MIFA 9’s front-wheel drive
- Has navigation, head-up display and auto parking
- Only five seats versus seven in the Maxus MIFA 9
- Smaller 460-litre boot
- Higher annual road tax at RM439 versus RM220
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 269,888 | RM 258,888✓ |
| Body type | MPV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 201 hp |
| Torque | — | 300 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline |
| Timing Type | — | Chain |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 82 mm |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 241 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 350 Nm | — |
| Battery Type | Ternary Lithium Battery | — |
| EV Range | 435 km | — |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 120 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 8-Speed Steptronic Sports Automatic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.2 seconds | 7.4 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | — | 228 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,270 mm | 4,433 mm |
| Width | 2,000 mm | 1,843 mm |
| Height | 1,840 mm | 1,656 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 mm | 2,692 mm |
| Weight | 3,095 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | — | 54 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 1,010 litres✓ | 460 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 245/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Pirelli P Zero, Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Side and Curtain Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three Point | 5 Three-point belts |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger and outer two second row seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Headlights | Adaptive LED Projector with High Beam Assist |
| Taillamps | Full LED Tail Lights | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Power Lumbar | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function |
| Rear Seats | Sliding and Folding Second Row | 40:20:40 Split-folding, Manual Recline |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents with Blower Control | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Yes | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 2 USB C, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.3" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 8-speaker sound system | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) | Keyless Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot | Powered Tailgate, with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | Powered Sliding Doors | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | 200,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 8 years✓ | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 220✓ | RM 439 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
MIFA 9 vs Countryman FAQ
Is the Maxus MIFA 9 or MINI Countryman better?
The Maxus MIFA 9 is better for family space, with seven seats and a 1,010-litre boot. The MINI Countryman is better if you want the quicker car, all-wheel drive and more parking and cabin tech.
What is the price difference?
The Maxus MIFA 9 is RM11,000 more expensive. It costs RM269,888, while the MINI Countryman costs RM258,888.
Which is faster, the Maxus MIFA 9 or MINI Countryman?
The MINI Countryman is faster from 0-100 km/h, taking 7.4 seconds. The Maxus MIFA 9 takes 9.2 seconds, despite having the higher output at 241 hp and 350 Nm.