Nissan Philippines has recently unveiled the Nissan Livina and is reintroducing the nameplate as its entry into the country’s highly-competitive multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. Our eagle-eyed readers will most likely spot the similarities between the new Nissan Livina and its sibling from another Japanese brand — the Mitsubishi Xpander.

For those who do not know, the Nissan Livina is a byproduct of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance. Hence, the rebadging and the restyling.

But we’re not here to compare it with Mitsubishi’s MPV. We’re here to spot the differences between the old and the new Nissan Livina. Read on to find out.

Exterior

Compared to the first-generation Nissan Grand Livina, the second-gen model looked more modern and aggressive. Nissan’s old seven-seater MPV donned plenty of curves and contours, which are the befitting styling cues during its time.

At the fore of the vehicle's previous version is the brand’s dated grille design flanked by large swooping headlights on each side. The rear featured similarly huge horizontal taillights. It rode on 15-inch wheels.

The new Nissan Livina, on the other hand, features the updated V-Motion grille. The new front end is also worn by other Nissan models like the Nissan Leaf, the refreshed Nissan Almera, and the recently-launched Nissan Kicks e-Power. On each side — stacked from top to bottom — are its slim daytime running lights (DRL), large angled headlamps, and fog lamps.

Its rear is very Xpander-esque with a familiar-looking pair of tail lights and a rear spoiler with a high-mount stop lamp. Depending on the variant, the new Nissan Livina can either be had with a set of 15- or 16-inch wheels.

Interior

The cabin of the old Nissan Livina had a beige interior. It undoubtedly exuded an air of luxury but since the MPV was touted as a ride for families, it meant that kids can easily get the seats and interior panels dirty.

It had a predominantly analog instrument panel and a standard audio unit bordered by wood accents.

Meanwhile, the new Nissan Livina sports a black interior with several chrome accents found on the center console, the dashboard, the steering wheel, and on the air-conditioning vents. The seats can either be fabric (beige color optionally available) or leather — depending on the variant. It comes with an analog and digital instrument cluster and either a standard audio head or a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Engine

Back then, the Grand Livina was equipped with a 1.8-liter powerplant that produces as much as 124 horsepower (hp) and 174Nm of torque.

The new Nissan Livina gets a smaller 1.5-liter engine that makes 103 horses and a pulling power of 141Nm.

Summary

The new Nissan Livina offers the brand a strong entry in the country’s MPV category. After all, it is based on the Philippines’ current best-selling nameplate in the segment.

For Filipino car buyers, the arrival of the new Nissan Livina means that they get a new option should they be in the market for a vehicle for their growing family.

It is currently offered in four variants: E MT, EL AT, VE AT, and the range-topping VL AT. Price ranges from P1.029 to P1.209 million.

Photos from Nissan

Also read: 

Nissan PH launches new ‘Nissan Assist’ app

All new Nissan vehicles to be electrified come 2030

Nissan bares ‘Blue Switch’ initiative for PH