Nissan Livina

Inside, the Nissan Livina’s interior design focuses more on practicality and functionality. Its cabin layout lacks emotion and a youthful vibe that many modern vehicles have. Drivers of the top variant are given a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and handsfree phone controls, while the rest have the urethane-wrapped version without the controls (only the VE AT has the two controls). The top variant’s cockpit also comes with a 4-inch color LCD meter as its instrument cluster, while the rest have the mono-tone LCD counterpart. The two higher trims come with three 12V power sockets (1 on the dashboard, 1 on the center console, and 1 at the rear), while the two lower trims have two. You also get a maximum of two USB ports and a whopping twelve bottle/cup holders.

Meanwhile, all variants except EL AT offer a 9-inch touchscreen display audio that has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB. The top-of-the-line has a 6-speaker sound system, while the two mid variants have the 4-speaker counterpart. In contrast, the base variant only gets a 2-speaker sound system. Overall, this MPV’s cabin offers a great balance of functionality and comfort thanks to its spacious cabin and well-padded seats that provide supportive cushioning for everyone on board.

At first glance, the Nissan Livina’s exterior design closely resembles that of the Mitsubishi Xpander. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice some features that are distinct to Nissan’s design language, setting the Livina apart from its counterpart. Its facade is given a distinct look through a chrome V-motion grille, which emphasizes the brand’s modern identity. It comes with multi-reflector halogen headlights and LED DRLs. All AT variants are also equipped with front fog lamps for increased visibility at night. For a more premium side appearance, the top-of-the-line comes with chrome side view mirrors, door handles, and window molding. 

Meanwhile, the Livina’s rear looks very similar to its Mitsubishi counterpart’s. It has combination lamps with signature LEDs for its tail lamps. In addition, it is also equipped with a high mount stop lamp for added safety. The top variant has body-colored front and rear bumpers with silver accents, while the rest have body-colored bumpers with a black accent. The two higher trims run on 16-inch machine-finished alloy wheels, while the base AT variant has 15-inch silver-painted wheels. On the other hand, the base variant comes with 15-inch steel wheels. 

In terms of dimensions, all variants are 4,510 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width, and 2,775 mm in wheelbase. The two higher trims are 1,700 mm in height, whereas the two lower trims are 1,695 mm.

The Nissan Livina line utilizes a suspension combination of a MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring at the front and a Torsion Beam at the rear. This suspension setup allows the car to have decent handling and bump absorption on the road. However, one issue with its suspension system is that body rolls are noticeable inside the vehicle when hitting turns or corners at high speeds. With this in mind, there is a tendency for the suspension to limit the car’s engagement with the driver’s internal activities when running quickly. But, at the end of the day, this MPV offers a stable and composed ride, leading to a comfortable feeling inside.

All variants of the Nissan Livina are powered by a 1.5L DOHC engine that produces a maximum power output of 105 PS and a maximum torque of 141 Nm. The base variant runs on a 5-speed manual transmission system, while the rest run on 4-speed automatic transmission. 

This car would be an effective and reliable daily cruiser in the city as it has a decent fuel economy and power delivery for an MPV its size. It might not be the most powerful or fastest in its segment, but it is enough to get you from point A to point B efficiently. It also  has an average NVH suppression. But, overall, this car can run smoothly and (relatively) quietly both in the city and on the highway.

One of the major flaws of the Nissan Livina is its noticeable lack of advanced driver assistance systems. In terms of safety and security, its two lower trims only have two front SRS airbags, seat belts, an ISOFIX and Tether Anchor, a high mount stop lamp, and an alarm system with an immobilizer. Meanwhile, the two higher trims also come with a hill start assist, a reverse camera, and parking sensors.

In terms of breaking, this model line utilizes ventilated discs at the front, while drum brakes at the rear. Standard to all variants is an anti-lock braking system. However, only the two higher trims are also equipped with a vehicle dynamic control and a traction control system.

In my opinion, the Nissan Livina’s lack of advanced driver assistance systems limits its potential to become more competitive within its segment. If the brand effectively addresses this car’s current set of flaws and shortcomings, then it has a really good shot to become a top-of-mind among consumers in the future. For now, it is still decently practical, reliable, and functional for everyday city use.