since 1976
since 1976
THE latest Nissan Serena has arrived to continue market dominance in its category with attractive prices. This fifth generation model comes in the guise of the Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid and is available in two model variants; Premium Highway Star and Highway Star. The former goes for RM147,700 on the road without insurance and the latter is ready to roll at RM135,700.
What makes them good value for the buck is that this Serena, which is locally assembled, is an all-new model that comes with all the modern trappings to gel with the times. There are sufficient detail changes in the body styling to impress on its new leanings and endear the Serena to those who like to be seen in new ‘clothes’ or a new MPV (multipurpose vehicle) in this case.
This is clearly endorsed by the new Serena face that is said to adopt Nissan’s new generation global design language. Whatever that design language might be, we are quite sold on the new styling elements employed. The sectioned headlamps are a nice touch and the simple but bold grille with just two louvres, half framed by a sturdy lower lip, complement the fresh perspective. By the way, the headlamps are dual layer LED (light emitting diode) projector units with signature lamps.
The trapezoidal air section below does leave the sturdy-framed grille a little hanging with its rather vacant look and this would take a little getting used to. It is just as well that the vehicle registration plate is located in this area to add some body to the empty space. If anything, it is easier to zero in on the number plate by the speed cameras on the highways.
The new Serena has a floating roof design that is accentuated by the dark frames of the respective roof pillars and this styling feature is meant to highlight the spacious cabin. The S-shaped LED tail lamp is retained in a newer form as Nissan says this pattern ‘radiates a strong visual appeal with optimum illumination’.
Visually, the new Serena looks sizeable to compare well against rival brands though we couldn’t help feel that the 16-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels (for the Premium Highway Star) come across as somewhat puny against the vehicle’s physical expanse. And it’s 15-inch wheel for the lower-spec Highway Star. We wouldn’t be surprised if a few owners might just choose to go a bit bigger in that respect for a beefier impression.
After all, the new Serena has grown a fair bit all round, with the interior length extended by 180mm, the height by 20mm and the width by 65mm. To allow easy entry and egress for the third row passengers, the C-pillar is redesigned to be a bit rearward by 50mm. This means a wider space for movement when the sliding door is opened.
There are new features to give the fifth-gen Serena a contemporary and practical outlook that should benefit owners in the convenience of use. The hands-free dual power sliding door is most definitely useful when your arms are fully laden with shopping stuff. Simply kick below the MPV to activate the opening mechanism on the kerb side for the door to slide open. This obviously takes a cue from the SUVs (sport utility vehicles) that feature this item for the fifth door (to store luggage).
The other feature is the dual back door. In the previous model, this is a single unit that opens upward to gain access to the luggage area at the rear. As this door sweeps a wide arc, it is impossible to open it when another tall vehicle is parked too close. With the new door design, the glass panel section could be opened for one to drop light items to the rear storage area. This is not a new idea entirely but you couldn’t ask for a more practical solution that that.
Inside, there are now two Captain seats complete with dual armrests each for the middle row and the third row seats are sliding units with tip-up to fold function. There are more than your fair share of cupholders and four ‘teh tarik’ or ‘tar pau’ hooks for those in the habit of buying prepared food to take home or the office. As if that wasn’t enough, there are seven USB-powered ports to meet the needs of all and sundry on board!
The safety department is not overlooked as well and there are three new features to bolster the latest Serena’s safety shield. These are the Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Object Detection and Intelligent Driver Alertness. Standard fare includes the Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist and six airbags.
From the driver’s perspective, the pleasing new dashboard design is complemented by a full-colour seven-inch Advance Drive Assist Display (quite a mouthful for a display monitor), a 6.75-inch Clarion Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio and a flat bottom leather steering wheel with cruise control for a touch of sporty ambience.
The power unit appears little changed other than some minor updates to maintain reliable and economical fuel performance. This is the 2.0-litre (MR20DD) Twin CVTC (continuously variable valve timing control) with maximum power output that is slightly higher at 110kW (150PS) at a higher engine peak of 6000rpm but a lower torque output of 200Nm at 4400rpm. The engine in the previous model delivered 108kW (147PS) at 5600rpm and 210Nm at 4400rpm.
The transmission system continues to be the Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control. Nissan says improvements to the engine have resulted in a 2.8-per cent better power-to-weight ratio and this has led to a best-in-class average fuel economy of 14.2km/l. That is a 13-per cent improvement over the previous model and earns the new Serena an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status.
With the all-round upgrade in features, comfort items and vehicle performance, the fifth-generation Serena looks poised to please. In clear support of this, Nissan says it is number one in class in Japan with more than 33,000 units sold so far. For Malaysia, distributor and assembler of Nissan vehicles Edaran Tan Chong Motor says it has already collected 1300 bookings before this MPV was launched. We are not surprised and we would tell you more after a drive in the latest Serena.
