since 1976
since 1976
THE latest edition of the Nissan Serena coincides with the re-introduction of the SST or Sales and Service Tax although this new MPV (multipurpose vehicle) would justify the higher price tag well. It comes with refreshed looks to brighten a body styling that has been around for four years and it comes with a lot more smart and premium features to entice prospective buyers.
A striking note is the new ‘majestic chrome’ Nissan V-Motion front grille that shapes the ‘face’ of the current generation Nissan vehicle models. This is complemented by the redesigned LED (light emitting diode) headlamps to add charm and elegance, although Nissan likes to see the latest frontage as aggressive.
The rear too sees some changes albeit a little less dramatic. The ‘S’ shape LED rear lamp assembly is given a subtle brush-up that is less forward while retaining the individual design feature specific to the fifth generation Serena. Underlining the cosmetic upgrade are the redesigned front and rear bumpers that come with Gloss Black finishing.
Taking on a smarter role is the addition of new electronic package that lessens the stress of driving the latest Serena in a variety of traffic conditions. The Serena Highway Star now gets
Intelligent Predictive Front Collision Warning and Braking, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
These new ‘smart’ features complement the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Intelligent Alertness. And if you move up to the Premium Highway Star model, you are in for a higher level of standard equipment that should justify its intended upmarket image.
This includes the Advance 9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment package with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, premium quilted Nappa leather for the seats, dual channel (front and rear) DVR, trunk tray and door handle protector. The 11.6-inch roof monitor available in the previous Premium model is retained.
The new Nappa leather for the seats gives a new shine to the interior; there continue to be Zero Gravity Inspired seats for the front and second rows that Nissan says are designed to maximise comfort and minimise fatigue on long journeys. The second row has two Captain seats with dual armrests and long slide function to stretch and relax while the third row has sliding seats with tip-up and fold functions. And it continues to have seven USB ports for everyone to charge their handphones.
As it were, the Serena S-Hybrid is already well packaged with existing convenient systems such as the hands-free dual door power sliding doors (a kick under the vehicle would get the doors to open, something useful if your hands are full with luggage or groceries) and dual rear door. The latter refers to opening the rear door fully or only the upper window section for storing light items.
The latest Serena continues to be powered by a 2.0-litre (1997cc) engine with dual overhead camshafts and Twin CVTC (continuously varaable-valve timing control). Output stays constant at 110kW (150PS) at 6000rpm and 200Nm at 4400rpm. The S-Hybrid (or Smart Hybrid) system features an Energy Control (ECO) motor with electric power regenerator and secondary battery to assist in the idling stop/start function and torque assist.
This ‘hybrid’ power unit is paired to an X-Tronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). Driving on ECO mode, Nissan says the Serena owner could enjoy fuel efficiency of 14.2km/l and a range of more than 850 kilometres on a full tank (believed to be above 60 litres).
Despite the higher level of ‘intelligent’ features and more premium equipment to measure up to expectations for the upper model, the latest Serena S-Hybrid should still draw appeal with reasonably attractive prices; the Serena Highway Star is priced at RM149,888 on the road with sales and service tax but no insurance and the Premium Highway Star is yours for RM162,888 under the same terms. The Serena comes with a five-year warranty and five-year free service.
