It was about more than a decade ago when Nissan (through one of its distributors back then) introduced the Grand Livina Highway Star to the Philippines, which snowballed the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment’s popularity locally. Despite being one of the forerunners during its time, the model was pulled out of the market. 

More than a decade later, the Japanese automaker decided to revive the nameplate — carrying a simpler title this time around.

Now competing directly against its twin that is the Mitsubishi Xpander (which is the country’s leader in the category) as well as other models such as the Toyota Avanza and Hyundai Stargazer, can the Nissan Livina provide compelling reasons to car buyers eyeing a seven-seater daily? Let us check the top-spec VL trim.

Dimensions

Since it is the Xpander’s twin (serving as one of the products of the alliance between Nissan and Mitsubishi), the Livina has the same dimensions — and platform — as with its brethren.

The Nissan Livina VL is 4,510 millimeters (mm) long, 1,750 mm wide, and 1,700 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. Given the numbers, the vehicle is a strong contender in the group as it offers ample passenger space on the front and middle rows.

Exterior

More aesthetical similarities with the Mitsubishi Xpander can also be seen on the outside of the Nissan Livina VL.

The design of the Nissan Livina’s rear combination lamps are the spitting image of the Mitsubishi Xpander — only much simpler in terms of details — and complements the third brake lamp fitted on the spoiler.

While that is the case, many will find the Nissan Livina VL’s rear straightforward — making it appealing for those who see the Mitsubishi Xpander a bit strong. Its rear bumpers have simpler aesthetics, only sporting two-diffuser design.

To its sides are the 16-inch alloy wheels with a Nissan logo at the center cap to serve as distinction to its twin.

The vehicle's fore gives the nameplate a character of its own. The signature V-Motion fascia is present on the Nissan Livina — similar to that of the chunky Terra sport utility vehicle — matched to a blacked-out grille. The headlamps, placed on the lower portion of the vehicle (a design first seen in the country with the Nissan Juke), are on halogen and its turn signals and daytime running lights, all light-emitting diodes (LED).

Interior

Seen inside the Nissan Livina’s cabin are more similar appointments with the Mitsubishi Xpander. It has intricate touches of piano black trims but is composed mainly of hard plastic components as exhibited on the steering wheel, dashboard, and door panels.

Portions of the Nissan Livina’s seats and steering wheel are easy to clean since they are covered in leatherette material — a factor for those shopping for a family vehicle.

Powertrain

Propelling the Nissan Livina VL is the 1.5-liter double overhead cam gasoline-fed engine mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. On paper, the mill can dish out a maximum of nearly 104 horses and 141 Newton-meters of pulling power.

Stopping power, on the other hand, is assured by the ventilated discs and drums on the front and back, respectively.

Since power is sufficient for its size, the Nissan Livina VL sips fuel a bit strong. Driving it around Metro Manila for a week, the front-wheel-drive MPV had a fuel consumption of around 8.5 kilometers per liter.

While the powertrain mix is potent as it is, a change in the transmission set-up would be much appreciated as relatively small shift shocks can be experienced from the lower gears. We think that the small jolts need to be addressed as the vehicle is intended for city driving and we only need the first two (three at most) shifts in the urban setting — especially when stuck in traffic.

In addition, getting stuck in four-speed transmissions would take its toll when going out on expressways since the engine has limited gear shifts to play-especially on long stretches.

Features

The Nissan Livina VL has some nifty passenger-centric features that car buyers will surely enjoy.

For starters, there’s the four-inch colored digital cluster gauge, a seven-inch touchscreen audio system, 12-volt sockets on all three rows, and 12 cup holders.

What we love to see in the vehicle are electronically-adjusted seats (even just for the driver since all can be tinkered manually) as well as an update in the touchscreen system.

Its host of safety technologies include hill-start assist, reverse camera, anti-lock braking system, vehicle dynamic control, traction control system, and parking sensors.

Pros/Cons

Overall, the Nissan Livina is one of the formidable picks for customers eyeing a seven-seater.

It offers sufficient leg- and headroom for its occupants, ensuring comfort especially to those who will occupy the first two rows. The vehicle’s luggage space is very roomy, and its seats are easy-to-maintain, which makes it a very stylish people carrier or cargo hauler.

However, as mentioned earlier, while the MPV’s powertrain combination guarantees ample power, fuel consumption tends to be a tad higher.

Further, the Nissan Livina VL could also use a new infotainment to make it more appealing to the younger generation.

As of posting, the Nissan Livina VL is priced at P1.229 million, which is P31,000 more expensive than its Mitsubishi Xpander GLS counterpart. Per Nissan, the vehicle is packaged with a five-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV

Also read:

Nissan PH sets launch of all-new Livina MPV on Sept. 6