Come 2021 and it will be a tougher time choosing a 7-seater MPV, as Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) could be introducing the brand-new 2021 Nissan Grand Livina sometime next year.

1. Familiar name, wasn’t it sold here before?

In fact, yes.

The Nissan Grand Livina was first introduced in Malaysia back in December 2007, before receiving an update in 2011 and 2013.

The L10-generation Grand Livina was offered for sale until 2017, after which ETCM axed the model without a direct replacement.

But that changed in 2019, when Nissan Indonesia introduced the second-generation Grand Livina, this time based on the Mitsubishi Xpander.

2. So it is a Mitsubishi Xpander?

In short yes. They are identical.

Changes are mainly cosmetics, as the Nissan Grand Livina gets Nissan’s V-Motion front fascia (the Xpander gets its own Dynamic Shield front-end) and a revised rear bumper. The wheel design is also different between the two seven-seaters.

Furthermore, both the Xpander and Grand Livina are manufactured are Mitsubishi Indonesia’s plant in Cikarang, Indonesia.

3. What about engine?

Like the Mitsubishi Xpander, the Nissan Grand Livina is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter engine that does 105 PS and 141 Nm.

A four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual are available, but we reckon that the former is more likely to be offered here – mirroring the Xpander.

4. Where will it be assembled?

At this point of time, it’s hard trying to pinpoint where the Malaysian-spec Nissan Grand Livina will be assembled.

You see, the Mitsubishi Xpander is currently assembled at DRB-Hicom’s facility in Pekan, Pahang – a different arrangement from the Mitsubishi Outlander and ASX, both of which are contract assembled by Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA).

While it would be logical for the Grand Livina to be assembled by TCMA, we believe that it could be assembled alongside the Xpander in Pekan instead, as the tooling facilities are already available in Pekan.

Of course, there is also a possibility that ETCM could opt for the imported (CBU) route for the all-new Nissan Grand Livina.

5. Will it get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?

Very likely, as a vast majority of new models introduced by ETCM do feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, so it’s possible that the upcoming Grand Livina will follow suit.

The 8-inch touchscreen head unit in the Xpander also supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

6. Is it practical?

Seeing that the Nissan Grand Livina is identical to the Xpander, it benefits from all of the Xpander’s traits, including the usual cup holders and cubby spaces. The Grand Livina is also expected to feature a storage space under the front passenger seat as well as a two-tier boot floor – just like the Xpander.

7. Which one is cheaper?

The Mitsubishi Xpander is priced from RM 91,359. When ETCM introduces its version some time next year, we expect prices to be close to the Xpander, as both models are the same.

8. So is the Grand Livina a better buy than the Mitsubishi Xpander?

Again, it boils down to yourself.

Considering that both the Nissan Grand Livina and Mitsubishi Xpander are essentially identical, it boils down to brand preference and after-sales support.

Regardless of the brand, the Xpander/Grand Livina is a good option for those seeking for a comfortable and practical 7-seater.