All New Nissan Grand Livina: (Courtesy of Nissan Motor Indonesia)

The upgraded All New Nissan Grand Livina and All New Nissan X-Gear have officially hit the road, offering better fuel efficiency and thorough safety with signature sedan-like comfort.

With eyes set on Indonesian families as a potential growing market ' especially in urban and suburban areas - Nissan is continuing to develop its Grand Livina and X-Gear variants.

The Grand Livina and X-Gear first emerged in Indonesia in 2007 and 2008. The two became an interesting alternative in the medium multi-purpose vehicle class, with their sleek design, compact size and sedan-like driving experience.

In 2013, the brand released its newest versions, staying loyal to the sedan-like driving experience with a stylish exterior, luxury interior design, fuel efficiency as well as optimum safety and security features to capture family-oriented, youthful and sporty characters.

(JP/Niken Prathivi)Nissan has introduced a new HR15DE engine that includes dual injector technology and a twin valve timing control (VCT) as well as a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system in order to present a vehicle with better fuel efficiency.

'Taking 'innovation that excites' as a concept, Nissan presents the All New Nissan Grand Livina for families in Indonesia,' Nissan Motor Indonesia vice president for national sales and marketing Yoshiya Horigome told a press conference during a media test drive event at Sentul International Circuit in Bogor, West Java, a week prior to the launch. 'Our new HR15DE engine and CVT system will give true comfort to passengers.'

These new technologies allow for the creation of better torque, especially at low and middle speeds, and the enhancement of fuel consumption efficiency by 13 percent as compared to older variants, which use conventional transmission.

Interior: (Courtesy of Nissan Motor Indonesia)Combined with the newly-made Xtronic CVT, the two cars offer subtle comfort, without disturbing jolts while shifting gears.

In the exterior department, the new Grand Livina brings some fresh updates, ranging from the front grille, head lamp, wheels to the front side fender. This reflects an elegant look that fits the Indonesian family's style.

The Grand Livina's interior is equipped with an Optitron combi-meter that adapts fine vision meter technology in white color and sophisticated decoration, providing a classy multi-information display feature that makes it easy to read.

It is also adorned with a two-tone (black and beige) interior design within its simple cutting, a 1-Din audio with a roof monitor, a modern shift lever (for CVT version) and a three-spoke steering wheel.

Meanwhile, the X-Gear offers an urban dynamic and sporty look with an under protector, side over fender, roof rail, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking camera (for the 1.8 liter type) and a side turn signal door mirror.

In the cabin, the X-Gear gives classy comfort with black leather seating, an intelligent key, wooden panel, DVD monitor and a leather steering wheel.

Nissan's chief product specialist Hirofumi Yojo explained that the upgrade on the exterior of the new variants was based on stretched characteristic lines connecting each lighting signature, bigger wheels and lower characteristic shapes, enhancing stable and wide movement.

The variants' distinct body shape creates the feeling of riding in a sedan, stable handling, stability, a quiet ride and higher safety performance through their non-track base chassis (Monocoque Body) plus low step-in height, which makes them easy to enter.

In terms of safety and security, the two variants' are completed with dual SRS Airbags; a pre-tensioner seat belt; an anti-lock breaking system, electronic break-force distribution and break assist system (in certain grades); LED high-mount stop lamp; auto door-lock speed sensing and rear parking camera (in certain grades).

(Courtesy of Nissan Motor Indonesia)
Although considered lesser in height as compared to other MPVs, the Livina and X-Gear present a clear vision of both front and rear parts.

In the comfort test area, the Livina showcases smooth gear shifting, while the X-Gear displays its responsiveness movement all in slalom as well as eight-shaped and circle curves. Both, however, presents equal comfort, courtesy of the suspension.

In the economy test area, where drivers evaluate fuel consumption as well as regular riding experience on a 4.12 kilometer-long circuit track for two laps, both the Livina and the X-Gear gave promising performances.

Nevertheless, the X-Gear stands out in terms of performance, is handsome and is a steady drive - making it a hassle-free urban car at a reasonable price. Customers are looking at Rp 179 million ' Rp 221 million for the Grand Livina, and from Rp 212 million to Rp 250 million for the X-Gear.

The colors available for all variants are dark blue metallic, dark red metallic, grey metallic, diamond silver metallic, solid white and solid black.