Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has officially unveiled the Nissan Livina X-Gear.

It's essentially a five-seater version of the Grand Livina MPV that is already available in Malaysia, plus tough SUV-style looks. Launched with the same 1.6 litre engine as the Grand Livina, the Serendah-assembled X-Gear is priced at RM82,800 (US$ 28,500) OTR, including insurance.

At 4,275 mm long, the X-Gear is 145 mm shorter than the 4,420 mm Grand Livina, although both share the same 2,600 mm wheelbase and tracks. This means that all the millimetres the X-Gear loses over the Grand Livina is behind the rear axle, the length Nissan added in to accommodate a third row for the Grand.

So while many would naturally view the two-row X-Gear as a smaller Grand Livina, it can also be viewed as a large hatchback, something like a Suzuki SX4. In fact, ETCM is pitching the X-Gear in the B-segment hatchback market (Jazz, Swift, Mazda2, Fiesta) and hopes to steal some sales from similarly priced popular sedans such as the Toyota Vios as well.

The X-Gear's add ons extend to the entire front bumper, which is chunkier than the standard item, with a protruding chin and prominent cut outs for the fog lamps. There's also a silver sump guard for full effect. From the side, one can see black body molding and overfenders. The wheels are similar in size to the Grand Livina.

The rear mirrors the changes up front. There's a chunkier bumper in black, with a similar silver panel. The Nissan logo on the tailgate is surrounded by a black piece of plastic to match as well. The package is completed with roof rails, which are functional, stresses ETCM.

Ground clearance is 180 mm, the same as the Grand Livina. There's also no raised suspension or 4WD, so owners shouldn't take the X-Gear too far off the beaten track.

As mentioned, the HR16DE is similar to that in the Grand Livina. The 105 hp/150 Nm unit is paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox. As for the suspension, it consists of front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam. Steering is EPS while the brakes are vented discs up front, drums at the back.

Inside, the changes are the deletion of the Grand Livina's rear air con vents and the strip of vent up front that directs air to the rear. In place of the former is a cupholder that folds out to make two. The seats have a "tartan" pattern to them, repeated on the door panels. There is also dark silver trim on the doors.