Buyer Q&A: Most Spacious & Practical Chinese Car in the UK

The Maxus MIFA 9 drives smoothly and quietly, with a compliant ride that absorbs UK potholes well. Its electric powertrain delivers instant, effortless acceleration, and the cabin remains hushed at motorway speeds. The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid offers a refined ride with a petrol engine that transitions seamlessly to electric mode, providing good comfort on long journeys. The BYD Sealion 7 feels planted and responsive, with a balanced suspension that handles A-roads and motorways confidently, though the ride is slightly firmer than the MIFA 9.

The Maxus MIFA 9 is the standout for space: three rows of full-size seats with ample legroom even in the third row, plus a large flat-floor boot. Sliding doors make access easy in tight car parks. The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid offers a spacious five-seat cabin with generous rear legroom and a deep boot, plus folding rear seats for bulky items. The BYD Sealion 7 seats five comfortably with a wide boot opening, and its rear seats fold nearly flat. For families needing maximum people- and cargo-carrying ability, the MIFA 9 is unrivalled.

The Maxus MIFA 9 features a large central touchscreen with intuitive Android-based software, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera that simplifies parking. The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid includes a dual-screen setup with crisp graphics, voice control, and a comprehensive driver-assistance suite (adaptive cruise, lane keeping). The BYD Sealion 7 offers a rotating touchscreen, sharp resolution, and a user-friendly interface, plus a head-up display and over-the-air updates. All three support smartphone integration and have clear instrument clusters.

Chinese brands are building a UK dealer network, with Maxus, Chery, and BYD all offering warranties (not detailed here) and service support. Parts availability is improving, though some models may have longer wait times for non-standard items. The MIFA 9's electric drivetrain reduces maintenance to tyres, brakes, and cabin filters. The Tiggo 9's hybrid system is well-tested in other markets. The Sealion 7 uses BYD's Blade battery, known for safety and longevity. Early ownership reports are largely positive, but independent UK reliability data is still emerging.

The Maxus MIFA 9 is ideal for large families or those needing a seven-seat people carrier with zero-emissions running – perfect for school runs, shopping trips, and motorway holidays. The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid suits buyers who want a spacious SUV without range anxiety; its PHEV system handles daily commuting in electric mode and long trips on petrol. The BYD Sealion 7 appeals to tech-savvy families who want a refined, all-electric SUV with smart features and a modern design. All three are practical choices for UK buyers prioritising space and value.