It is getting increasingly tricky to criticise any of the new models emanating from Europe, Japan or Korea, such is the level of research and engineering that goes into developing new models. This time there is an added factor, in that the Nissan Livina is actually manufactured at the Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, where it joins the Champ, Tiida and Hardbody.
Forty percent of the vehicle parts are locally sourced, with the rest coming from all over, mainly Indonesia. The engine for all models, however, comes from Japan and is the same unit that powers the 1,6-litre Tiida. A good thing too, since this is one lively, feisty unit, producing 80 kW at 6 000 r/min along with 153 N.m at 4 400 r/min. The Euro combined fuel cycle is 7,2l/100 km on the Livina and 7,4 l/100 km for the Grand Livina, while the tank size is 52 litres.
The model range is straightforward, stating with the base model, five-seater Livina Visia. This features a driver airbag, air conditioning, central locking, electric windows and mirrors and 14-inch steel rims. Next up is the Acenta with an extra airbag, ABS and a sound system. Top of the range is the Acenta+ that adds 15-inch alloy wheels, foglamps and side sills.
For those who need a seven-seater, there is the Grand Livina. This comes in two derivatives, the Acenta and the Acenta+. Both models have the same spec as the five-seat Acenta with alloy wheels, while the Acenta+ model now switches from cloth upholstery to leather plus some wood trimming. A 3-year/ 60 000 km service plan is included on all models bar the base Visia and the warranty is 3-years or 100 000 km.
The driving experience was better than expected, considering the fact that this line-up is very much in the budget category. On the pre-production units provided, we noticed no squeaks or rattles, the willing engine was fully up to the job of hauling the (fairly large) vehicles along, easily overtaking the huge number of trucks infesting our roads, even with three passengers. The gearshift action was super- slick to match the sporty nature of the engine.
Interior plastic quality was basic but fit and finish good and seat comfort was fine, although the leather seats proved harder than the cloth- uncomfortable if you carry a wallet in your back pocket. Legroom was pretty decent and, for the seven-seater, the rear seats are adequate for children but legroom will be cramped for adults.
The steering also gets a thumbs-up. There was some twitchiness but taking into account the near gale force winds on the day, we won’t complain. Ride and handling seemed accepatable all round, too. Travelling along at the national speed limit was relatively quiet. Some wind noise was evident, but again, it was absolutely howling. The glove box is massive and will swallow enough mittens for the entire Russian army, door pockets were rather narrow, and the boot looked larger than usual too, bearing in mind that a full-size spare wheel is standard. Of course, with the Grand Livina, boot space is minimal unless you fold the rear seats flat.
Pricing will be available on Tuesday 23rd October with immediate availability of the Nissan Grand Livina models, and the Livina kicking into production by January 2008.