Review: 2023 Nissan Livina 1.5 VE
The alternative bog-standard MPV
Nissan is a car manufacturer known for introducing unique and distinct models to the market. Recent examples include the Kicks e-Power, which offers an electric vehicle experience without range anxiety, and the Almera, which features a turbocharged powerplant. The Navara is also notable for its coil spring rear suspension, which is unusual among pickups in the market.
Marketing a three-year-old 7-seater MPV, such as the Nissan Livina, against newer competitors and its own refreshed version presents a challenge for the company.
History
The Nissan Livina is not a new nameplate, it was used previously by the company. It is considered a second-generation model, being a front-wheel-drive compact MPV with 7 seats. Nissan did not develop a next-generation model, instead, they acquired a major stake in Mitsubishi in 2016.
The Livina is a product of badge engineering from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, and shares similarities with the pre-facelift Mitsubishi Xpander from three years ago, despite being introduced as a 2023 model-year MPV in the Philippine market.
Exterior
The Livina can be identified as a Nissan model despite the absence of the Xpander in a multiverse. The V-motion grille is incorporated in the front where the Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” used to be. The side profile is similar to the Xpander, except for the smaller wheels. The Livina’s rear end has less pronounced creases and a V design on the taillights, resembling the discontinued X-Trail. This allows the Livina to differentiate itself from the Xpander.
Interior
The interior of the Nissan Livina is similar to the pre-facelift cabin of the Mitsubishi Xpander, with minor trim differences and the Nissan badge on the steering wheel being the only notable differences. The dashboard, seats, door cards, and manual parking brake are the same as the Xpander. The interior features include ample space in the first to the third row, storage spaces, and a fold-flat mechanism for the seats.
Powertrain
The Nissan Livina is equipped with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter 4A91 inline-four-cylinder engine, which is the same as the Xpander’s. It has a maximum output of 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. In terms of fuel efficiency, it has an estimated city fuel economy of 8.4 km/l and highway fuel economy of 15 km/l.
The Livina is designed for daily driving with easy maneuverability and a smooth ride, with light steering and a softly sprung suspension for better handling of road imperfections and reduced outside noise.
Features
The Nissan Livina MPV’s interior equipment is lacking compared to its competitors, with a dated head unit and a lack of features such as smartphone integration and wireless charging. Additionally, the lack of a cruise control button and armrest in the top-spec VL variant is notable, as well as the absence of rear defoggers.
During testing, a rattling noise was noted in the steering column or instrument panel of the Livina VE, potentially indicating a loose screw. It is unknown if this is an isolated issue or a common problem with the model. Despite lacking certain features present in the pre-facelift Xpander, it was surprising to find that the Livina VE was more expensive than the Xpander GLX, which has a higher mid-spec and includes cruise control and additional ground clearance.
The Nissan Livina is a small 7-seater MPV that costs PHP 39,000 more than the Xpander. Its main selling point is its service schedule, which only requires servicing every 6 months or 10,000 km, compared to the Xpander’s more frequent schedule. However, the Livina faces competition from vehicles such as the Avanza and the Stargazer, which have similar price points but more features. Additionally, Suzuki introduced the Ertiga Hybrid which really upped the bar in the MPV game. Despite its shortcomings in terms of features, the Livina may still appeal to buyers who prioritize a safe and proven choice.
