After a long delay caused by the pandemic, Nissan Philippines has finally entered the competitive MPV segment with the launch of the all-new Nissan Livina.
“The all-new Livina is a modern and practical MPV that first-time families and first-time car buyers will appreciate and trust. As part of Nissan’s transformation plan, we hope to reach more customers through this exciting offering to this competitive and fast-growing segment,” said Nissan Philippines President Juan Manuel Hoyos.
Not gonna lie, aside from the prominent grille and badging as well as a slight deviation in the headlights, it was difficult to pinpoint the difference between the Livina and its mechanical twin, the Xpander. However, upon closer inspection, it does have its unique elements.
Just to get it out there, the Livina IS based on Mitsubishi’s best-selling MPV, and this was made possible by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance where the companies leverage their strengths and join forces to “fast-track innovation, improve cost-efficiency and add value” to their products moving forward.
The Livina may not be one of the most premium vehicles in Nissan’s stable, but it does fill the void in the brand’s current offerings. The practical 7-seater is packed with features that are perfect for a comfortable daily driver.
Same but different
For starters, the all-new Livina sports Nissan’s chrome V-Motion grille, a front under spoiler, the brand’s signature combination LED tail lamps, and daytime running lights. While at first glance, the headlights look like a derivative of the pre-facelifted Xpander’s, a closer inspection of its angles and a quick side-by-side comparison with the rest of Nissan’s lineup actually places it within the purview of Nissan’s current design language. To be fair, the silhouette is the same, but effort was exerted to make the design elements and character lines different.
The top-of-the-line VL variant that they sent over before the launch came with leather-clad, 6-way manual adjustable driver seats and fold and tumble seats for the 2nd and 3rd rows. It also had Keyless Entry, a push-button engine start and stop system, dial-type air conditioning system. It’s 7” touchscreen display with audio and hands-free phone control, and multiple charging and connectivity ports at the center console. It isn’t equipped with Apple Carplay or Android Auto, but you can still connect your favorite apps like Waze and Spotify via BlueTooth or using cables.
The Livina’s interior is predominantly black with chrome finishes and a beige upper interior. The VL’s leather detailed steering wheel comes with a tilt and telescopic feature, as well as Audio and Handsfree Phone Controls. The cabin also has a total of 12 cup holders and multiple storage compartments to hold your whathaveyous.
Nissan Intelligent Mobility and safety features include Hill Start Assist (HSA); reverse camera; SRS airbags; anti-lock braking system; Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC); Traction Control System (TCS); parking sensors; alarm system with immobilizer; ISO-Fix anchors; and a high mount stop light.
The Indonesia-sourced Livina is powered by a 1.5 DOHC engine with a maximum power output of 105ps and 141Nm of torque. VL, VE, and EL variants come with 4-speed automatic transmission, while the E variant is a 5-speed manual. The Livina is fitted with MacPherson Strut with Coil Springs in front and a torsion beam in the rear, and depending on the variant, sits on 205/55 R16 or 185/65 R15 tires.
Price reveal at the live launch held at Nissan Shaw | Photo by Mika Fernandez-David
Introductory pricing and availability
The all-new Livina is available in four (4) variants, and depending on the variant, five (5) colors: Royal Ruby Red, Moonstone Grey, Diamond Pearl White, Onyx Black, and Platinum Silver.
Introductory pricing is as follows:
- VL (A/T) – Php 1,209,000
- VE (A/T) – Php 1,149,000
- EL (A/T) – Php 1,109,000
- E (M/T) – Php 1,029,000
The all-new Livina comes with a five-year or 150,000 kilometers whichever comes first vehicle warranty for the top-of-the-line variant. The cost of ownership has also been reduced by 30% compared with other MPVs available in the market due to its twice-a-year PMS schedule.
The all-new Livina will be available at all Nissan dealerships starting September 15 – the opening day of the 8th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).