Insofar as people carriers are concerned, since its debut in 2007 the Nissan Grand Livina has always been one of the favorites among those seeking a mid-size seven-seater MPV.
Since its introduction, more than 65,000 have found homes in Malaysia, and recently it was given a makeover. Boasting the tagline “Drives like a sedan, fits like an MPV”, the new Grand Livina looks more up-to-date with redesigned front and rear headlights, integrated LED indicators in the wing mirrors and V-spoke alloy wheels.
The Grand Livina has keyless entry (i-Key) that allows owners to enter and drive off with the key-fob in their pocket or purse, and drivers should find the 126Ps and 174Nm of torque from the 1.8 or 105Ps and 150Nm of torque from the 1.6 (both mated to a 4-speed auto transmission, but there is a 5-speed manual variant for the 1.6) adequate for their daily driving needs. But its the versatility of the space within the Grand Livina that buyers within this bracket will find most appealing. With a multitude of seat folding configurations, this MPV, with a little imagination, should be able to haul just about anything, within reason of course.
Priced at RM86,880 for the 1.6 manual, RM89,880 for the 1.6 auto and RM99,880 for the 1.8 auto, the new Grand Livina should be on your watch-list if you’re in the market for a very decent mid-size SUV.
Carmakers should just do away with the protruding gearstick completely for automatics, use dashboard mounted buttons instead..
