2011 Nissan Livina X-Gear Officially Launched In Malaysia

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has officially launched the 2011 Nissan Livina X-Gear, a five-seater, crossover-styled version of the 2011 Nissan Grand Livina seven-seater MPV. Mechanically identical to the Grand Livina 1.6 automatic selling for RM 89,800, the Livina X-Gear 1.6 automatic is priced at RM 82,800 OTR with insurance and a three-year/100,000-km warranty.

Dimensions-wise, the Livina X-Gear is 145 mm shorter than the Grand Livina, though the wheelbase and front/rear tracks remain the same. The Livina X-Gear is wider by 40 mm and taller by 25 mm, the result of the prominent fenders and roof rails (load carrying capacity of 25 kg). The original ground clearance of 180 mm is deemed sufficient and remains untouched. Being 100 kg lighter than its seven-seater MPV counterpart, the Livina X-Gear should perform marginally better.

To inject a sense of ruggedness lacking in the rather sedate-looking Grand Livina, Nissan tacked on a new grille, chunky front and rear bumpers, muscular fenders accompanied by black side body molding, and roof rails on top. The 2011 Nissan Livina X-Gear appears styled closest to the Suzuki SX4 Sport Crossover, though ETCM has eyes on stealing sales away from regular B-segment hatchbacks such as the Ford Fiesta and Honda Jazz, too.

Expectedly, the 2011 Nissan Livina X-Gear's cabin uses a similar layout to the Grand Livina's, carrying over the same dashboard and instrument panel, except for the third row of seats and the rear air-conditioning vents. The fabric seats and doors gain a new “tartan” pattern, and the latter also gets a silver trim. Boot capacity ranges from 383 litres to 769 litres when the 60:40 split-foldable rear seats are folded down.

The 1.6-litre HR16DE engine, capable of generating 105 hp at 5200 rpm and 150 Nm at 4400 rpm, is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. There is no option for the five-speed manual gearbox or the 1.8-litre MR18DE engine available with the Grand Livina. The official fuel economy is given as 13.8 km/litre. Reining in the performance are front ventilated discs and rear drums as well as Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist. Dual front airbags are part of the safety package.