Malaysia Motoring News: Nissan Grand Livina Facelift Launch

Nissan Grand Livina is a very popular MPV in Malaysia, so popular that it obtain the best selling non-national MPV. On this side of Perodua Alza/Proton Exora pricing, Nissan Grand Livina has been a default choice among the Malaysian family. Originally introduced in 2007, this is the second facelift which will extend its 6-year old into newer era with bold new front and rear design which bears no passing resemblance to the outgoing model.

Changes are extensive. Front end is totally new, it ditches the old look and in comes the new Nissan's corporate face that is more modern. The headlight, grille, hood, bumper and fender are all new. The grille is far classier than the rudimentary item on the old version. The rear end is similarly updated too, with redesigned tailgate, bumper and the rear light cluster is now bigger and it extends into the tailgate panel.

The interior makeover is more subtle, and Nissan concentrates more on the trimmings instead of design change. Basic dashboard architecture is retained, however, the color scheme has been changed from all-black affair to two-tone arrangement with black upper section and beige lower section for an added perceived space. The seats are upholstered in beige. The center console is now brightly painted, and the 1.8L variant gains wood trimming. The sense of opulence is further supplied by Nissan Sylphy derived steering wheel (new design) and stylish Fine Vision meter cluster make an appearance.

Other than that, it is the Nissan Grand Livina that we used to know. This include the spacious cabin that accomodates 7 and the driving position is car-like (it is build on Latio platform which has MPV-like driving height) and it has numerous loading flexibility thanks to the split-folding second row seat. There's also second row aircond duct for an added comfort.

Powertrain unit is carried over wholesomely from the outgoing Grand Livina. This means that there are two engine option available; MR18DE 1,798cc (126PS,174Nm) paired with 4 speed automatic gearbox and HR16DE 1,598cc (105PS, 150Nm) driving via either 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic. Chassis mechanicals are McPhersons strut at the front coupled with torsion beam setup at the back, with the stopping hardware provided by ventilated disc/drum combo (ABS, EBD and BA standard on all variant).

Beyond the drivetrain and updated outlook, Nissan has also take the opportunity in this round of facelift to update the safety front with the inclusion of seat-belt pretension and load limiter. Also thrown in for the 1.8L version is the i-Key system which essentially is the keyless entry with twist switch starter system.

As for the pricing, the entry level 1.6L MT is pitched at RM86,880, 1.6AT at RM89,880 and the range topper 1.8L AT at RM99,880. As with the Nissan Almera, Nissan has opened up plenty of chance for customization with the Navi, Luxury, Family and Impul package. Detail description of each package is as below:

Navi Package (RM4,000 for 1.6L, RM3,700 for 1.8L)

Consist of: 6.5' Multimedia Navigation (with DVD player,iPod, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity and also rear view camera, 10.1' roof mounted LCD panel.

Luxury Package (RM3,800 for 1.6L, RM3,500 for 1.8L)

Consist of: Leather upholstery for seat and door trim, window tinting (Solar Guard, with V-Kool Elite available for an additional RM1,500, LED stainless steel kick plates and door visors.

Family Package (RM7,000 for 1.6L, RM6,700 for 1.8L)

Combination of Navi and Luxury package.

Impul Package:

Consist of: