Recently, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) just unveiled the next generation Nissan Serena S-Hybrid. The previous C27 model was one of their best-selling MPVs in Malaysia and it's about time for it to be replaced with the C27.
The now seven-seater MPV will have two variants, namely the Highway Star and the Premium Highway Star. As of 14th of May, the Serena S-Hybrid comes with a price tag of RM 135,500 for the Highway Star, and RM 147,500 for the Premium Highway Star.
What's New in the C27 Serena S-Hybrid?
Frankly speaking, the new Serena gains a lot of features which provides more practicality than its predecessor. On the down side of this MPV, it takes out some of them and misses one of the most important activity safety features in this period of time.
The first thing you will see is that it has a pretty radical styling from the front to the back. The Serena gets a two-tier headlights ala Vellfire, a distinctive Nissan V-Motion grille which is already a norm for most Nissan models, and a 'floating roof' design by making the whole A-pillar to the D-pillar to be black, in an addition to a two-tone paint in the Premium Highway Star model. Besides that, it gets a new 15" alloy wheels for the normal Serena, and 16" for the high end version, however it uses the one on the previous generations. The suspension system and structural rigidity are heavily revised to have a better body reflex during a quick lane change.
New to the Serena is the split-opening tailgate which is very useful to bring groceries in a tight parking space.
As for the drivetrain, it is still using the same 4-cylinder MR20DD engine, but the horsepower is slightly bump up to 150 hp at 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm to the front wheels. The powertrain is paired with a small ECO electric motor with 2.6 hp and 46 Nm of torque which manages the Idling Stop function and works as an alternator for energy regeneration. To make it even more useful, a 50 Nm of electric boost is provided for one second as a "Torque Assist" upon launching the MPV from stand still or constant speed. Not to mention that it only consumes 14.2 km/l of gas according to the European NEDC cycle. This MPV is only mated to a Xtronic CVT.
Now it's time to get to know the new features of the Serena. Like most expensive cars and SUVs, the trunk can be opened with a single kick under the back of the vehicle. However, the Serena gains this option as standard by putting them on both power sliding rear doors. All you have to do is to put the Intelligent Key in your pocket, and stand close to the door handle and kick under the door to open it. Closing the door is also using the same method. However, it is not really perfect at most of the time, unless you already get used to it.
Inside, the Serena gets a beautifully-crafted interior with a more modern touch and a futuristic instrument cluster. New to the cluster itself is a 7" information display which can be configurable such as displaying the tachometer, trip computer and around view monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD). It also gets a floating center console with a single-zone climate control, storage pockets, a Clarion head unit with Apple Carplay and Android Auto (not available in the test car) and a sporty-looking flat-bottomed steering wheel. But that's not the main case, because this MPV gets 7 USB outputs all around the cabin. Three at the front, two at the second row, and another two at the third row seating. No other MPVs in the market have tons of USBs except for Serena. Wow, now that's what I call practicality!
The second row seats is no longer made for three people, and it is replaced with two captain seats. Both seats come with two armrests at each side, and the seats can move forward or backward, recline, and move horizontally to add more space for entry and exit for the third row passengers. There's also an air-con controls at the middle row area. Furthermore, second row passengers will have two picnic tables behind the passenger and the driver's seat respectively. Compared to the C26, it gets a revised cup holder for the picnic table. As for the Premium Highway Star, the picnic table is padded with a Tray-On tray mat to hold your foods or devices firmly.
Moving to the third row seats, you will find two levers at the back of the second row seats. These levers will provide more convenience for the passengers. One of them can be used by just stepping on it to move the middle seats all the way to the front and reclining forward to get out of the car easily. Also, on the right side of the seats where the USB port and cup holders are located, you will find a tire repair kit under the compartment, because this car doesn't have a spare tire.
Speaking of safety, the Serena S-Hybrid comes with 6 airbags, anti-lock brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), traction control system (TCS), ISOFIX tethers just like the old model. Sadly though, it doesn't get the most renowned active safety known as ProPilot, which provides adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
So how does it drive?
Driving the all-new Serena is almost the same as the one that I drove for the past 4 years, which was the CBU version. Since it's a short test drive, I can't tell the whole deal about it except for the comfort. Like the previous generation, this MPV is solid and easy to drive due to the large windshield and a small blind spot around the car. The Serena doesn't seem to float as the old one due to the revised suspension setup, making it to be safer for lane changes at a certain speed. Sitting on the driver seat is comfortable due to the fact that it is a Zero Gravity seat like the one which is found in the Teana.
Should I get one for my family?
Yes. Absolutely it's a yes for those who want to have a lot of practicality in an affordable price. The new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is still a cool MPV to own with tons of useful features for a long day trip. The new Serena will have three color selections, Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, and Cashmere Gold. As for the Premium Highway Star variant, it comes with a two-tone paint, such as Cashmere Gold with Imperial Umber roof, and Brilliant White and Tungsten Silver with Diamond Black Roof. Those who gets the high-end treatment will get leather seats, 16" wheels, a dashcam, door visors, a 10.1" LCD display at the second row area, Tech-On tray mats on the picnic tables, LED interior lighting, a V-Kool 4Mil security film and Ultra-Glass exterior coating exclusively made by Three-Bond.
A 5-year unlimited mileage warranty is included as well as a three year/60,000 km free service package.
* Special thanks to Nissan Glenmarie for letting me to review the all-new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid!
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