2011 Nissan Grand Livina Review
Price
from: RM82,459
to: RM98,420
Installment
from: RM786/mth
to: RM939/mth
2011 Nissan Grand Livina at a glance
Does the Nissan Latio with more room sound like a good idea? If so, the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina, providing sedan-like handling and room for seven, represents value for money. The Toyota Avanza better be worried.
2011 Nissan Grand Livina quick specs
| Body Style | MPV |
| Class | Mid-size Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
2011 Nissan Grand Livina ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
While the Toyota Avanza looks much like a commercial vehicle, the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina looks family-oriented. Its front end, dominated by the grille, has been modified from the Nissan Murano's. The side and rear end styling are relatively conservative and inoffensive. The 1.8-litre variant adds chrome to the grille and door handles.
Handling
Sharing the same monocoque chassis as the Nissan Latio, the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina exhibits the same sedan-like handling characteristics. The driving experience is Latio-like, which for an MPV is quite excellent. The light, effortless steering means city driving is a breeze. And with good body control, the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina certainly feels more nimble compared to the Toyota Avanza.
Comfort
The 2011 Nissan Grand Livina rides smoother than the Nissan Latio, perhaps due to its extra weight. Importantly, it is more refined on highways than the Toyota Avanza. The cabin feels modern and functional, but a few more storage areas would be ideal. Finding a comfortable driving position is easy, but the steering wheel offers no reach adjustments and the front seats could do with more thigh support. The 1.8-litre variant uses wood trim for a more premium feel.
Quality + Reliability
Sharing the steering wheel, instrument binnacle, gear lever, radio and a number of switchgear with the Nissan Latio, the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina has the assurance of quality in those areas. The dashboard is more stylish but lacks the softer materials and tactility found in the Latio. In addition, the front doors produce a hollow noise when shut. As for all cars wearing the Nissan badge, we expect the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina to be mechanically reliable in the longer term.
Performance
Matched with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, the 1.6-litre, without CVTC (Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control), produces 104 bhp and 150 Nm. Available only with a four-speed automatic, the 1.8-litre with CVTC produces 124 bhp and 174 Nm. The 1.6-litre responds eagerly, and feels especially punchy in the mid rev-range. Most buyers should do fine with the 1.6-litre as the 1.8-litre goes barely faster.
Roominess
The highlight of the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina—room for seven. Considering the wheelbase to be the same as the Nissan Latio's at 2600 mm, there is a surprising amount of head- and leg-room in the middle and last row. The last row room is still only adequate for adults, and since the middle row can slide forward and backward, both rows are highly usable. With the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina's low height, ingress and egress are also easy. The last row seating bench can not be split, though.
Running Costs
Since the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina is equipped with the same engines as the Nissan Latio, we expect slightly worse (due to marginal weight increase) but still good fuel economy. Both servicing bills and depreciation should be reasonable. The popular Nissan brand, while still not as strong as Honda or Toyota, will enable the Nissan Grand Livina to maintain fairly competitive resale values.
Value for Money
The 2011 Nissan Grand Livina feels better engineered compared to competing seven-seater MPVs below RM 100K. Notable competitors in this budget MPV segment include the lower-priced Toyota Avanza and similarly-priced Kia Rondo. Of the three, the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina stands out with its family-oriented styling and sedan-like handling. The 1.6-litre variant is our preferred choice.
Equipment
The 1.6-litre variant gets 15" aluminium alloy wheels, power windows, air-conditioning, power door locks, reverse sensor, 2-Din AM/FM radio, single-CD player and 4 door speakers. The 1.8-litre variant adds fog lamps and polished 15" aluminium alloy wheels. Safety equipments for both variants include dual front SRS airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist).
Environment
Relative to many seven-seater MPVs' powerplants, the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre in the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina are small in engine capacity, and thus have lower carbon dioxide emissions and better fuel economy. Take the ability to carry seven into consideration (meaning less pollution per occupant), and the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina becomes “greener” than many other cars.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Nissan Latio-like handling
Room for seven
Value for money
Front seats need more thigh support
Build quality could be better
Barely faster 1.8-litre
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