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nelson mandela bay's family lifestyle
author:
duncan mcdonald
living the livina life
photography:
zuko, lifegate photography
issue:
6, winter 2008
Group 1 Nissan created the opportunity for Duncan McDonald to do an independent review on the new Nissan Livina. We were pleasantly surprised with this addition to the Nissan stable. My first response to the opportunity of driving the new Nissan Livina Acenta was, “Oh no, not another people carrier!” I had the pre disposition of what I was about to do would be boring – just another option in a very practical range of vehicles. The experience I had was anything but boring – this new model is quite surprising. For the first twenty or so kilometers, I thought nothing about testing the 1.6 liter, 80 kilowatt engined hatch. I was merely accomplishing my A to B travels – the normal day-to-day town driving everyone does. I noticed that this 5 door hatch is rather quiet, and comfortable with a strong sound system that gave me perfect reception on my favorite radio station. The day progressed - me still ambivalent towards the vehicle. Then I realized that I was running late for rugby, and nothing makes me late for rugby. My attitude towards the Livina suddenly changed. I stepped on the accelerator, the exhaust barked a new note I had not heard from the car until now, and what I thought was a “mommy mobile” instantly morphed into a mild boy racer. The Livina effortlessly carved a path through the late afternoon traffic and I was hooked to a surprising motoring experience. I found that by keeping the engine between 3500 and 5000 revolutions, I could harness all the power of this car. Needless to say, this is where I kept it for the duration of the test. Oh, and I did make it to rugby on time. The Livina has plenty on offer. On the one hand, you get a 5 door hatch for the normal Lavina or the larger 7-seater Grand Livina, with ample space for passengers, front and rear alike, a huge boot (383L) as well as dual airbags, but it doesn't stop there. On the Acenta model that I was driving, you also get ABS, EBD and brake assist. So of course mom would love it for shopping and car pool. On the other hand, you also get a “rev-happy”, responsive handling car that dad would be most happy to drive through town or on the open road. The Livina is economical , sipping only 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers. Taking the quality and performance of the new Livina into account, the real selling point of this particular model is the price tag - R134 000 – for me, that's great value, great fusion, great car. I was sold. You might expect a compromise somewhere. Surely for what seems to be a very affordable price, you think, “they've skimped somewhere.” Admittedly this is not a luxury vehicle, but the Livina's fit and finish is strong. The look of the car was growing on me too. The Murano look-alike grill and the long contemporary styled body stood out against the rest of the cars at the petrol station where I was refueling. Driving the Livina I realized the individual who chooses this vehicle is practical minded, someone who weighed up the necessities of motoring and had made an educated decision on the best mode of transport. All Livina models come standard with Nissan's anti-theft security system (NATS), including remote keyless entry, immobilizer and panic alarm. The Livina range also benefits from Nissan's Microdot Security System, where each vehicle has its own identification in the form of a myriad of dots etched onto various parts of the vehicle, making it difficult for would-be thieves to alter the car's identity. This makes the Livina a less desirable target for criminals, which in turn enhances the personal safety and security of the driver and occupants. Good choice, should you get this car for your wife and family. Returning the Livina to Pieter Nortje from Group 1 Nissan, I had to admit the Livina truly has the ability to be all things to all people.”
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