Based on Nissan's affordable people mover, Livina X-Gear is a crossover for the masses.

The new Nissan Livina X-Gear will certainly continue to lift the Nissan brand from the rather stodgy shapes of the past with this more Eurocentric design. In workmanship and technology it can also hold its own.

Impressive is the quietness when cruising at higher speeds while responsiveness combined with comfortable ride seems good enough to compete with its more expensive rivals. And that perhaps is its standout feature &8212; reasonable pricing.

The new Livina boasts SUV styling elements and sets its self apart from the rest of the range with its roof rails and matt black over fenders, door guard finishers and side sill protectors. The model also features a redesigned radiator grille and front bumper that, along with the enhanced rear bumper, are intended to create a more aggressive stance ? a look rounded off by the 15" alloy wheels.

Complementing the refreshed exterior design is the 1.6-litre petrol engine that produces 80kW of power at 6000rpm and offers 153Nm of torque at 4400rpm, while fuel economy is rated at 7.2l/100km and emissions of 165g/km are achieved. Partnered with a five-speed manual transmission gearbox the Livina X-Gear reaches a top speed of 180km/h.

The interior focuses on functionality, with chrome accents as well as black finishes and upholstery enhancing the "sporty" appeal. The rear seats split 60/40 and the front passenger seat can be tilted to transport lengthy items such as surf boards, wake boards or skis of up to 2.40m long.

The X-Gear is fitted with electric windows and air conditioning while the Acenta+ adds body colour door mirrors and an in-dash radio six-CD front loading audio system.

Driver airbags come standard on both X-Gear derivatives while the Acenta+ model also has a passenger airbag. Other safety features include a high mounted stop lamp and front seat belt pretensioners on both models. The Acenta+ comes standard with ABS brakes, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

All models come standard with Nissan's anti-theft security system (NATS), including remote keyless entry, immobiliser and panic alarm as well as the Microdot security feature. Service intervals are every 15 000km, with a three-year/60 000km service plans included in the price as well as a three-year/100 000km warranty.

Pricing:
Livina X-Gear Visia: R140 000
Livina X-Gear Acenta+: R152 500