Nissan Indonesia Debuts All-New Grand Livina – Rebadged Mitsubishi Xpander

PT Nissan Motor Indonesia, the Indonesian arm of Nissan has just launched the all-new Grand Livina - though the model is known simply as the Livina over there. 

Talks of a replacement model for the Nissan Grand Livina have been ongoing since 2016, shortly after the showcase of the Mitsubishi XM Concept. The XM Concept eventually evolved into the Mitsubishi Xpander in 2017, while the ageing Nissan Grand Livina soldiered on for another few more years.

Just last week, various Indonesian news portals posted spyshots of what appeared to be the next generation Nissan Grand Livina was caught in Indonesia, fueling speculations and confirming earlier reports that the next generation Grand Livina would be based on the Mitsubishi Xpander.

A total of five variants are available at launch, all powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that does 104 PS and 141 Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels either via a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

From the exterior, the all-new Nissan Grand Livina receives a pair of LED daytime running light and automatic halogen headlights, flanking Nissan’s signature V-Motion grille. Compared to the Xpander it’s based on, the Grand Livina receives a simpler-looking front bumper garnish.

Towards the side, the all-new Nissan Grand Livina is almost identical to the Mitsubishi Xpander, with the slight exception of the side character line. The character line on the Xpander curves downwards on the front doors, but are straight on the Livina. Though range-topping variants of both models receive 16-inch wheels with dual-tone finishing, wheel designs are slightly different.

The rear end of the all-new Nissan Grand Livina features a different number plate recess in the tailgate and silver trim towards the bottom of the bumper. While both the Grand Livina and Xpander have LED tail lights, the lighting element of both tail lights differ from one another.

Despite the subtle exterior differences, the interior of the all-new Grand Livina largely mirrors that of the Mitsubishi Xpander, down to the steering wheel. VE and VL variants of the Grand Livina are fitted with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

All variants of the all-new Nissan Grand Livina are fitted with dual SRS airbags up front, but only the more expensive VE and VL variants of the new MPV receive stability control, traction control, and Hill Hold Assist. ASEAN NCAP tested the Mitsubishi Xpander last year and awarded it a four-star rating.

With the all-new Nissan Grand Livina being basically a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Xpander, it comes to no surprise that the MPV bearing the Nissan design will be manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors at its Bekasi plant.

For the Indonesian market, the all-new Nissan Grand Livina has a lower starting price than the Mitsubishi Xpander (IDR 198,000,000 vs IDR 206,100,000). Interestingly, the most expensive Nissan Grand Livina also costs more than the equivalent Xpander (IDR 266,000,000 vs 260,900,000).