Nissan Livina launched in the Philippines, based on pre-facelift Xpander and pricier too!

Malaysians would probably recognise the Nissan Grand Livina as one of the most popular MPVs back in the late 2000s. Though that name is discontinued here, it lives on in Indonesia as a rebadged Mitsubishi Xpander, dropping the “Grand” and simply called the Nissan Livina.

Unlike the 7-seater Mitsubishi, the Nissan Livina remains unchanged ever since it was launched in 2019. This week, the Livina was launched in the Philippines and like the Xpander, it’s imported (CBU) from Indonesia.

Curiously, the Livina is more expensive in the Philippines than the Xpander even though it is still paired with the older 4-speed automatic transmission. Prices for the Livina range from PHP 1,029,000 (~RM 81k) to PHP 1,209,000 (~RM 95.1k) while the most expensive Xpander in the Philippines is priced at PHP 1,180,000 (~RM 92.9k).

Like most of its ASEAN neighbours, the Filipino-spec Xpander uses a CVT automatic which made its global debut in Indonesia in late 2021.

Also read: After Indonesia, Thailand's 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift trades 4AT for CVT, Malaysia when?

Besides the older automatic transmission, the Nissan Livina is similar to the Xpander under the hood with the 7-seater powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4A91 engine (105 PS/141 Nm). That engine is also mated to a 5-speed manual transmission which is offered in the Philippines on the base E variant.

Outside, Nissan attempts to make the Livina stand out more than the Xpander, especially in front with the beleaguered Japanese brand’s signature V-motion grille but that’s about it.

Also read: New 2022 Nissan Teana facelift previewed in China and it's a gorgeous Japanese Arteon

The rear didn’t receive many drastic changes and it’s the same inside. In fact, the Livina feels more like a step back in time the moment you sit inside with very basic features including an infotainment head unit that supports smartphone mirroring and Bluetooth as well as only a couple of front airbags on the safety front. At least, it has tilt and telescopic steering adjustments.

Also read: Dear car makers, it's 2022. Telescopic steering adjustment should be standard on all cars

The combination of a 4-speed automatic, lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and ADAS might seem unacceptable to some in 2022. The Livina’s arrival in the Philippines also seems a tad bit too late and compared to what’s offered by Nissan there (Kicks e-Power, Almera, Patrol), it’s just out of place.

Given the Livina’s age and lack of updates, it is unlikely that we would see a return of the once popular nameplate to Malaysia. Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) should just leave this at the port instead of bringing it in.

Also read: 2021 Nissan Grand Livina – Coming next year, this over the Xpander?