The Grand Livina by Nissan

Another Choice Of MPV's, This Time Brought To You By Nissan

Does The Grand Livina really “drives like a sedan and fits like a MPV” as the tagline says? Lets find out. Price wise, the Grand Livina smacks right into the Toyota Innova territory.

The Innova has been a hit in South East Asian countries with its large seating or carrying capacity. First launched as a workhorse vehicle to carry goods and people, it has grown up to semi luxury MPV level. Although it carries the new image well, Toyota did a good job, there is no hiding the fact of its genetics with ladder frame construction.



The Grand Livina on the other hand is a new comer to the 7 seater party. Looks wise, I think Nissan need some more work done seeing how they can come up with the Murano and the 350Z. Granted the Grand Livina is not a hot car, it is built to carry people, still lacks in the looks department. Have to say, the Innova looks better but only slightly. Others beg to differ and see a shadow of the Murano in the Grand Livina.

The Grand Livina has better genes with monocoque construction giving better stiffness and handling. Even many serious 4×4 vehicles now use this modern-ish construction. In line with current designs, suspension is MacPherson strut setup in front and the rear uses a torsion beam. Because it is built on a car platform, the handling of the Grand Livina is sharp and stable. Over rough roads, the suspension soaks up the bumps well.



Interior space. That is why people buy cars like the Innova or the Livina, is the Innova’s key point. Unlike the Innova, although the Livina is a 7 seater, once it is set-up such, boot space is becomes paltry. The dimensions of the Livina puts it between the Avanza and the Innova. It just means is it a little unfair to compare the two when it comes to space but the auto industry is not about being fair. It is about who can capture more market share. And it is something Nissan has done well. Having said that, the third row although tight, can accommodate an adult if it is not a long journey.

Like the original Kijang in Indonesia, the Grand Livina became a best selling MPV there. A plus for the Grand Livina is the seats fold down fairly flat. In case you can’t find a motel, it can fit 2 for an night. Beats sleeping on a park bench.

Powered by either HR16DE or MR18DE, these are the current crop of engines that powers many Nissan. Fuel efficient with good low end torque is the hallmark of these power plants.

Weighing between 1,220 kg and 1,230 kg. The Grand Livina is average for a 7 seater car.

According to Nissan’s website, the power figures are
Max. Power (kW/rpm) 77@5,200 93@5,200
Max. Torque (Nm/rpm) 150@4,400 174@4,800
Overall Length (mm) 4420
Overall Width (mm) 1690
Overall Height (mm) 1590
Wheelbase (mm) 2600

Current reports from owners indicate the fuel consumption is average to good, which is to be expected for a car this size with what I think is a slightly underpowered engine in case you want some excitement. Check out the video, a Livina can be driven enthusiastically. A 2 liter engine would be just nice. However, a recent light footed contest yielded surprising fuel economy but this would be almost impossible to achieve in real life considering some contestants went to extreme measures to get it; air conditioner off, highway driving only, constant speeds and whatever else they did!

The Grand Livina driving position is comparatively low for a MPV. It is more car like can MPV like. So for those who like the higher viewing position will be disappointed. The 1.8 liter model with higher power output is more fun to drive compared to the 1.6 liter model.

So, there you have it. Choosing between the 2 depends on your needs. If you want a better handling car but carries less stuff, then the Grand Livina is a newer, better choice. For those who only occasionally need to fill the 6th or 7th seat, then it would suffice. The Livina is priced attractively especially when you don’t need that much space all the time.

The Innova’s price and space formula works well especially when you need to cart 6 to 7 people AND this things for a holiday. It has a rugged robust construction to boot. At the end it’s the Grand Livina just because it is the new kid on the block.