Nissan Philippines’ model lineup has expanded thanks to the addition of the all-new Livina. This also presents an additional option for buyers looking for a family-friendly ride, as this new Nissan belongs within the highly contested seven-seater MPV segment.
The all-new 2023 Nissan Livina [VL variant pictured]
The all-new 2023 Nissan Livina has a total of four different variants. These are the entry-level E 1.5 MT, the EL 1.5 AT, the VE 1.5 AT, and the top-spec VL 1.5 AT. So which of these is the right one for you?
Let us help you answer this question by differentiating the specs of each trim.
Nissan Livina Variants: Exterior
To start this variant guide, let us talk about the Nissan Livina’s exterior. Concerning lighting, all four variants of the Livina are fitted with a pair of multi-reflector halogen headlamps. These then flank the Nissan V-motion grille. Standing out among the three trims is the top-spec VL which gets additional silver accents on its front bumpers.
On the EL AT, VE AT, and the top-spec VL AT are daytime running lights. Those three trims also come with front fog lamps. These features in turn, are not present on the entry-level E MT variant.
The Variant (VL) from the rear
From the side, one can see that the VL is the only trim that is fitted with chrome-colored side mirrors. And like the one’s on the VE AT, these are auto-folding and auto-adjustable. The ones on the VE AT and the rest however, are body-colored.
The E MT, EL AT, and VE AT likewise get body-color door handles and black-colored window moldings. On the top-spec VL AT, the aforementioned bits come in chrome.
Also from the side of the top-spec Livina VL AT and VE AT is a set of 16-inch machine-finish alloy wheels. The EL AT meanwhile gets a 15-inch silver painted wheel set, while the entry-level E MT gets a 15-inch steel set which is the simplest when it comes to looks.
All three trims except the entry-level variant gets LED daytime running lamps
Only the VL AT gets silver accents for its rear bumper. All four variants come standard with a pair of LED taillights.
When overall styling is concerned, the top-spec Livina VL AT stands out due to the presence of chrome. It can be matched in terms of exterior features by the VE AT. The EL AT, on the other hand, is a tad more basic than the VE AT. The E MT then looks the most basic out of the four while getting the least exterior features.
Nissan Livina Variants: Interior
Step inside all four variants of the Livina and you’ll find a three-row configuration that can seat up to seven occupants. All four trims also have a 60:40 split-folding second row, and a 50:50 split-folding third row.
The materials used to wrap these seats though are different between these four trims. On the E MT, it gets beige fabric seat covers. The EL AT and VE AT have brown-colored fabric seat covers while the top-spec VL AT gets leather seats.
All variants come with third-row seating
For driver amenities, the VL AT and VE AT are the only two that come with six-way manually adjustable driver's seats. But exclusive to the top-spec VL AT is a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a push-to-start button, and a color LCD display meter cluster.
The rest of the Livina variants meanwhile, get a urethane steering wheel, a turnkey ignition system, and a monotone LCD meter cluster.
The said steering wheel on the VL AT and VE AT also come with controls for the audio and handsfree calling. The ones on the EL AT and E MT meanwhile, do not.
Also, more abundant on the VL AT and VE AT are accessory charging ports. On these two, there’s a total of three (one for each row). The EL AT and E MT meanwhile only get two.
Curiously enough, the entry-level E MT has two USB ports while the EL AT only has one USB port. The VE AT and VL AT meanwhile come with a total of two USB ports as well.
The Nissan Livina's cockpit [VL variant pictured]
Another interesting point about the Livina’s variants is connected to their headunits. We say this because only the EL AT gets a 2-DIN headunit. On the other hand, the rest of the trims including the entry-level E MT get a seven-inch touchscreen display.
The said touchscreen headunit and the 2-DIN headunit both get USB, an auxilliary jack, and a radio tuner. Only the touchscreen comes with Bluetooth. Of note, it doesn’t come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
On the entry-level E MT, the sound is outputted by a two-piece speaker system. The EL AT and the VE AT meanwhile get a total of four. The top-spec VL AT meanwhile has the most speakers numbering at six.
Nissan Livina Variants: Engine & Performance
Under the hood of all four Nissan Livina variants is a 1.5-liter gasoline four-banger that’s capable of making up to 104 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. The top-spec VL, VE, and EL trim then pairs the said engine with a four-speed automatic gearbox. Only the entry-level E gets a five-speed manual transmission.
All four variants use the same 1.5-liter 4A91 inline-4 gasoline engine
All Livina trims are front-wheel-drive, and all use a ventilated front disc brake, as well as a drum rear brake for the rear. A hand-operated parking brake is also standard on this Nissan model.
As a side note, the Nissan Livina uses the same 4A91 inline-4 gasoline engine as the Mitsubishi Xpander. For that matter, it also uses the same transmission options and the same chassis that utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a rear torsion beam type suspension.
Nissan Livina Variants: Safety
Both the top-spec VL AT and the VE AT are the standout trims when it comes to safety. This is because they are the only two trims with hill-start assist, a reverse camera, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, and parking sensors.
All four variants do come standard with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, dual-front airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, as well as an engine immobilizer. Only the EL AT, VE AT, and VL AT get an alarm system.
Nissan Livina Variants: Pricing
| Nissan Livina Variants | Price |
| Livina E 1.5 MT | Php 1,029,000 |
| Livina EL 1.5 AT | Php 1,109,000 |
| Livina VE 1.5 AT | Php 1,149,000 |
| Livina VL 1.5 AT | Php 1,209,000 |
Nissan Livina Variants: Conclusion
Choosing the Nissan Livina variant for you can be straightforward. In other words, you get what you pay for. Except maybe for the EL 1.5 AT which as we’ve said above, somehow gets a more basic 2-DIN headunit. So the EL AT’s difference in price from the entry-level E MT might stem more with its automatic gearbox.
All four Livina trims make for great family chariots
In this regard, the EL AT and E MT are great choices for buyers who just want a seven-seater with not much frills. Between the two, the Livina E MT of course is there for those who want to row through gears.
The VE and VL in turn have the most offerings feature-wise. If a buyer requires the utmost in safety, convenience, and comfort, these two might be their bet. For an additional cost over the VE though, the top-spec VL has the most in the way of style. So if this is a concern for you, the top-spec VL might float your boat.
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