SAIC MAXUS Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid

Model Overview

The SAIC MAXUS Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid (MIFA 5 PLUG IN) is a compact plug-in hybrid MPV introduced by SAIC MAXUS. First launched in 2021, it represents a crucial part of the brand's new energy MPV portfolio. Positioned as an "intelligent hybrid family MPV", it caters to dual-use demands spanning multi-generational family transport and e-hailing fleets, highlighting a flexible petrol-electric powertrain alongside spacious practicality. The 2024 model serves as the core offering on sale, available in several variants including the Lexiang Edition, Zhixiang Edition, Zunxiang Edition, and Executive Edition, with official retail prices ranging between RM173,800 and RM232,800. Offered in 6-seater and 7-seater configurations, it delivers a WLTC electric-only range of 46 km and an NEDC combined fuel consumption as low as 1.4 L/100 km. Notably, the model has experienced sluggish sales, recording just 1 unit in March 2026.

Design Language

The Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid retains the signature SAIC MAXUS family design language, exhibiting an understated yet commanding road presence. Up front, a prominent grille finished with horizontal chrome louvres connects seamlessly to full-LED headlamps, broadening its perceived stance. Its side profile is neatly proportioned, measuring 4,825 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,778 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. These dimensions place it squarely within the mainstream compact MPV segment, with the 2,800 mm wheelbase providing a generous foundation for cabin packaging. Front and rear track widths stand at 1,560 mm and 1,570 mm respectively, with a fully-laden ground clearance of 145 mm. The rear styling remains clean and tidy, featuring taillights that complement the front illumination for a cohesive, long-lasting aesthetic.

Inside, the Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid adopts a wraparound dashboard architecture. Depending on the variant, the centre stack houses either an 8.0-inch or a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen running the Banma Smart Drive OS, supporting voice command and smartphone connectivity. Higher-grade variants gain a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment. Faux leather upholstery comes standard across the range, with range-topping trims upgraded to genuine leather. Automatic climate control with dedicated rear air vents is fitted as standard to ensure optimum passenger comfort.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the skin, the Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid pairs a 1.3T 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, mated to a 10-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

Engine: Codenamed LIY, the 1.3-litre turbocharged unit produces 120 kW (163 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, with peak torque delivered between 1,800 and 4,400 rpm. The transverse engine uses multi-point fuel injection, features an aluminium alloy cylinder head and block, and runs on minimum RON 92 petrol.

Electric Motor: The front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers 60 kW and 160 Nm of torque.

Traction Battery: It is fitted with a 13 kWh ternary lithium battery pack supplied by SAIC Times, providing an electric-only range of 46 km under WLTC cycles (64 km NEDC). The pack employs liquid cooling, with battery pre-heating available as an option.

Fuel Efficiency: WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated at 3.08–3.60 L/100 km, with an NEDC combined rating of 1.4 L/100 km and a depleted-battery consumption of 6.2 L/100 km. Top speed is capped at 180 km/h.

It is worth noting that the AMT gearbox lacks the seamless shifts and rapid responsiveness of mainstream Dedicated Hybrid Transmissions (DHT) or CVTs, with owners occasionally reporting noticeable shift shock. Furthermore, DC fast charging is omitted across the range, limiting top-ups strictly to AC slow charging.

Chassis and Handling

The Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid is built on a monocoque chassis featuring a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FF) configuration. The suspension setup consists of front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam—a setup typical for compact MPVs that strikes a balance between ride stability and interior packaging efficiency. An Electric Power Steering (EPS) system offers light, effortless steering suited for tight city manoeuvres and parking. Braking duties are handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Auto Brake Hold. Tyre sizes range from 205/60 R16 on entry-level models to 215/55 R17 on higher trims. With an approach angle of 14° and a departure angle of 21°, it handles modest undulations with ease.

Cabin and Features

Cabin practicality and seating comfort serve as primary selling points for the Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid. Leveraging its 2,800 mm wheelbase and 1,825 mm width, legroom and shoulder room are generous. Buyers can choose between 6-seater and 7-seater layouts:

• 6-Seater: 2+2+2 configuration with individual second-row captain seats featuring slide and recline adjustments

• 7-Seater: 2+3+2 bench layout or 2+2+3 configuration with second-row captain seats

The second-row captain chairs include fold-down armrests, while the third-row seats split-fold flat to expand boot capacity. Practical storage cubbies and cupholders are placed generously across all three rows.

Infotainment and convenience appointments vary by variant:

Upper-tier variants (Zunxiang Edition / Executive Edition) gain the 12.3-inch touchscreen powered by Banma Smart Drive OS, supporting GPS navigation, live traffic updates, voice control, connected services, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Connectivity includes two USB/Type-C ports in the front and one in the rear.

For passenger comfort, automatic climate control, independent rear air conditioning, rear blower vents, and a PM2.5 air purification filter are standard across the board. Heated front seats are optional on high-spec variants, though seat ventilation and massage functions are absent. Essential MPV creature comforts—such as dual power-sliding rear doors, a powered tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, seatback tray tables, and a cool box—are notably missing across the entire line-up.

Safety and Driver Assistance

On the passive safety front, the Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid is engineered with a high-strength safety cell. Airbag coverage is comprehensive, with dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags standard across all variants. Rear ISOFIX child-seat tethers, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and front seatbelt reminders are also standard.

For active safety, standard electronic driving aids include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA/EBA), Traction Control (TCS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Auto Brake Hold, Hill Start Assist (HSA), and an acoustic low-speed pedestrian alert are also included as standard.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) remain a distinct shortcoming. Rear parking sensors and a reverse camera are fitted as standard, with the Executive Edition upgrading to a 360-degree camera. However, Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features—such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)—are entirely absent across the range. This lack of active driver aids falls well behind similarly priced plug-in hybrid MPVs, undermining the smart-mobility positioning of the "Dajia" series.

For battery safety, the lithium iron phosphate battery pack features a liquid thermal management system, with pre-heating functionality offered as an option.

Market Performance and Verdict

The Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid continues to struggle in the market. Showroom registration figures indicate that only 1 unit was delivered in March 2026, with cumulative six-month sales standing at just 2 units, making it the slowest-selling model in the brand's stable. This contrasts starkly with the brand's mainstream G50 MPV (which averages around 300 units monthly). Key market rivals include compact PHEV MPVs such as the BYD Song MAX DM-i, Geely Jiaji PHEV, and GAC Trumpchi M6 PHEV.

Owner feedback highlights several key strengths: a spacious, versatile cabin (2,800 mm wheelbase with 6/7-seater options), impressive NEDC fuel economy (1.4 L/100 km), generous passive safety kit (6 airbags standard), and decent seat cushioning.

Notable drawbacks include:

• Powertrain Refinement: The 1.3T 3-cylinder unit exhibits inferior NVH characteristics compared to 4-cylinder rivals, while the AMT gearbox suffers from perceptible shift hesitation, detracting from the overall driving experience

• Modest EV Range: A WLTC pure electric range of 46 km falls well behind the 100 km+ standard set by 2024–2025 PHEV competitors

• Absence of ADAS: The lack of Level 2 driver assistance across all trims creates a noticeable competitive deficit

• Missing MPV Essentials: Key family MPV conveniences such as dual powered sliding doors, a power tailgate, and ventilated seats are omitted

• Brand Perception: SAIC MAXUS has limited brand equity in the passenger MPV space, with local consumer recognition still heavily skewed towards commercial vans

Quality and Reliability Complaints sourced from CheZhiWang highlight several recurring owner grievances:

• 2024 models have drawn complaints regarding "sudden loss of propulsion with no throttle response"

• 2022 models logged complaints concerning "rapid self-discharge below 40% battery capacity", "air conditioning cooling failure", and "actual driving range falling significantly short of advertised figures"

• Complaints centre primarily on the 2022 and 2024 model years, warranting careful inspection by prospective buyers

Summary

Competing in the RM170,000 to RM230,000 price bracket, the SAIC MAXUS Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid offers commendable basics in terms of cabin practicality, core safety equipment, and versatile seating configurations. However, the combination of a 1.3T 3-cylinder engine and an AMT gearbox falls short in drivetrain refinement and NVH suppression. Its modest 46 km WLTC pure electric range offers little appeal in today's electrified market, while the total omission of Level 2 ADAS leaves it at a distinct disadvantage against modern rivals like the BYD Song MAX DM-i and GAC Trumpchi M6 PHEV. Compounded by weak consumer traction in the passenger vehicle segment, the model has been pushed to the fringes of the market—as evidenced by the solitary 1-unit sales figure recorded in March 2026.

For value-driven buyers who have home-charging access and place little priority on driver aids, the Dajia 5 Plug-in Hybrid remains a practical prospect on the pre-owned market or when backed by hefty dealer discounts. However, buyers seeking seamless powertrain delivery, longer electric range, and modern active safety tech would be better served exploring newer plug-in hybrid MPVs in this price category.