MY MEMORY of the Livina (previously known as the Grand Livina) was my dad’s daily office drive for a few months. The first generation Livina which launched in 2009. I was just in elementary and remember having a Grand Livina tote bag with curious tagline “drives like a sedan, you’ll forget its an MPV.”
The Grand Livina (the word ‘Grand’ was added to separate it from a 5-seater version that was never introduced in the Philippines) was positioned as a fighter against Toyota’s mighty Innova. It was strange why it was being positioned as an Asian Utility Vehicle when it was clearly not. So that positioning was a failed proposal. But clearly the sedan-based Livina—originally created by Dong Feng-Nissan for the domestic China market—has a different tact altogether and should have started its own category back then, in the likes of the Mitsubishi Space Wagon.
Fast forward fifteen years later and Nissan finally got it right. The new Livina, is now rightfully, a multi-purpose vehicle both in positioning and in stance. My recent weekend getaway with the MPV proved to be more than just a trip – it was a journey of rediscovering the joys of straightforward driving. Escaping the urban jungle of Manila, I set my sights on Lucena, opting for the scenic Cavinti-Lukban-Tayabas route to truly put the Livina to the test.
This 7-seater MPV is a relative to the Mitsubishi Xpander, actually a badge-engineered one, the result of the handshake between Nissan and Mitsubishi. It might seem like just another face in the crowd, or an Xpander wanna-be, but it isn’t. Though both battle on the same category, pricing keep them distant, as creature comforts too. Powertrain and suspension, most body panels are swappable, but as I’ve come to learn, it’s a vehicle that defies expectations, offering a unique blend of practicality, comfort, and understated charm.
The Livina’s design is a clever balancing act. Since it shares its DNA with the Xpander, yet carves its own path with Nissan’s signature V-motion grille and distinctive headlights. It’s a familiar silhouette with a touch of individuality, like a comfortable pair of jeans that still manages to turn heads.
Inside, the cabin is an oasis of spaciousness and practicality. While the infotainment screen might not be the sharpest, it’s perfectly functional. And let’s be honest, the abundance of physical knobs and buttons is a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by touchscreens. Sometimes, the old ways are simply the best.
Leaving the city behind, the Livina truly came into its element. The 1.5-liter engine, while not a speed demon, was a powerhouse, purred contentedly as we cruised along the highway. It’s not about speed with the Livina; it’s about a smooth and refined driving experience. My last test drive of the Xpander was in early 2023—too long ago for my muscles to remember if the driving experience was the same. What is real for me is that the drive with the Livina was reassuring through the long uphills in Cavinti and the mountain passes of Luisiana, showed of its gutsiness and response.
And smooth it was. The suspension effortlessly absorbed the imperfections of the winding Cavinti-Lukban-Tayabas road, making for a comfortable ride even on the less-than-perfect sections. With every bend and curve, the Livina demonstrated its composure, instilling confidence in its ability to handle whatever the road threw its way.
Now, about that 4-speed automatic transmission. In an age of CVTs and multi-gear automatics, it might seem like a relic of the past. But I found it to be surprisingly responsive and smooth, seamlessly shifting gears as we navigated the varying terrain. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, simplicity trumps complexity. There lies that familiarity and conventionality. Being conventional, isn’t wrong at all.
As we passed through the lush landscapes of Laguna and Quezon, I couldn’t help but appreciate the Livina’s unassuming nature. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t demand attention, allowing you to focus on the journey itself. The comfortable seats, the ample space, and the quiet cabin all contributed to a sense of relaxed serenity. The Livina proved to be the perfect companion for this scenic drive. It’s not about making a statement; it’s about enjoying the simple pleasures of a comfortable and reliable ride.
The Nissan Livina is a car that understands its purpose. It’s not flashy, it’s not overly complex, and it certainly doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. Instead, it embraces its role as a practical, comfortable, and reliable family vehicle. And in a world where cars are becoming increasingly complicated, there’s something refreshing about the Livina’s straightforward approach. It is the unconventional conventionalist—prioritizes the essentials, offering a comfortable and refined driving experience without the unnecessary bells and whistles.
