Nissan’s newest MPV is actually a Mitsubishi

Nissan has previously announced, back in July 2018, that it will be adding to its lineup of cars for the Indonesian market. Recent photos have surfaced of the new small MPV puttering along with minimal amounts of camouflage on Indonesian roads.

UPDATE: Xpander-based 2020 Nissan Livina to debut this February

UPDATE: 2019 Nissan Livina launched in Indonesia

The photos were posted on Instagram by the user, @indra_fathan, on February 12, 2019. The user took several photos of the car on a road in Indonesia. The vehicle looks eerily similar to the current generation Mitsubishi Xpander, but with a few notable differences.

Even though the model’s badges are covered. What gives it away are the Nissan styling cues. The three bar Xpander grille has been swapped out for the signature ‘V-Motion design’ grill. Gone is the 'Dynamic Shield design' that Mitsubishi has been pioneering in its current crop of automobiles. The multi-LED DRLs from Mitsubishi are swapped out for a different set of LEDs on both sides. The entire front facia of Nissan’s version is now rounded and smoothed over. Gone are the hard angular lines from Mitsubishi’s version. The rear bumper is also given similar treatment, emphasizing softer, less aggressive lines. Nissan also kitted its soon-to-be released MPV with silver accents on the front lip, side skirts, and rear diffuser. 

On the topic of similarities, the all-too-familiar bumper mounted head and fog lights are as prominent as they are on the Xpander. Once turned on its side however, and the Mitsubishi lineage becomes more apparent. The side profile is very similar to the Diamond Motor’s rendition. From the character line that extends from the rear tail light, to the floating roof, and all the way down to the alloy wheels of the unit, the resemblance to its counterpart is uncanny. 

Indonesian news website, kompas.com, has stated that dealers in Jakarta are already accepting pre-orders for Nissan’s newest addition to the small MPV segment. The launch of which will be at the end of February 2019. Customer deliveries will begin in the month of March. 

The Xpander’s twin will be expected to share the same engine, a 1.5 L 4-Cylinder MIVEC engine producing 103 hp with 141 Nm of torque, mated to a 5 speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. All of which are attached to the same chassis. 

The rebadged Xpander will be called the Nissan Livina. It is still unsure whether the next-gen Livina will be added to Nissan Philippine’s local line-up. As the Xpander was slow to arrive on Philippine soil, only time will tell whether Nissan’s version will be seen on the roads of our archipelago.