QuickView: Nissan Livina X-Gear

Price: RM82,800 with insurance (Peninsular Malaysia)

On sale: From September 11, 2011

Tech Highlights: 1598 cc in-line 4 cyls petrol engine with EFI, 105 ps at 5200 rpm, 150 Nm at 4400 RPM, 4-speed electronically-controlled automatic

What is it? Same platform and wheelbase but cosmetic differences give it a sportier, cross-over image. Inside, the significant difference is that it has 2 rows of seating, instead of 3. Boot capacity is thus greater than the Grand Livina and can be expanded further by folding down the rear seats. For more details, read our First Looks report.

If you’ve driven the 1.6-litre Grand Livina, the X-Gear is essentially the same and the free-revving engine is a joy to push hard. With about 100 kgs less kerb weight, the X-Gear has a nippier feel [then the Grand Livina 1.6] with the 4-speed automatic offering smooth shifts up and down. Engine noise was not intrusive but there was wind noise coming from somewhere around the door mirrors.  Strangely, this was not apparent with the Grand Livina.
 

In town conditions, the X-Gear manoeuvres in and out of traffic easily, with quick steering response. It doesn’t roll much in spite of having 180 mm of ground clearance but at very high speeds, the steering does feel a bit light. Self-centering is also not strong and in the testcar, noticeable effort was required to get the wheels back in the straight-ahead position.

The suspension does its work well and soaks up bumps but something about the chassis seemed to send dips in the road into the cabin. Normally, one might pick the wheelbase as the culprit but 2600 mm is fairly long so it might be due to the rebound rate of the dampers.

The general feel in and around the cabin received high marks in both visual appearance as well as built quality. Some might find the seat cushions on the firm side but most would probably be okay with it.
 

This should not be a toss-up between the X-Gear and the Grand Livina; if you don’t need 3 rows of seating, then  you now have an alternative on the same competent platform which has two rows for less money. The X-Gear is immensely practical and with its sporty trimmings, it provides a bit of zest to what is essentially a small hatchback. Being a Nissan too means low maintenance costs, reliability and durability and for many motorists, those are the important points.

Related article: First Looks for Nissan Livina X-Gear

For more information on the Livina X-Gear, visit www.nissan.com.my .

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