Nissan Serena S-Hybrid MPV Test Drive Review
Has Nissan scored another best seller with this Serena S-Hybrid?
The Nissan Serena name plate has been a success story for the Tan Chong car business since the 1st model arrived in the 1990’s. From its initial ‘egg’ shaped 3 door family MPV (only one sliding door in the rear) to the large boxy MPV that has become a favourite with middle class Malaysian families, the Serena has not failed in its ability to move 6-7 passengers and luggage across Malaysia on holidays and family visits.
It has been the most successful mid segment MPV and ‘the’ consummate family vehicle because there is really NO rival in this price segment. Honda Malaysia does not sell the Honda Spada and UMW Toyota does not sell the Toyota Noah or Voxy. Plus, Mazda in Malaysia had stopped selling the imported Mazda Biante.
The Spada and Noah or Voxy are sold in Malaysia only as used reconditioned vehicles with no factory warranty and after sales. So, the Nissan Serena is a ‘king’ in its segment.
Now comes an all new Serena MPV and this model will continue the sales success of the previous Serena S-Hybrid for sure.
Nissan Japan has equipped this latest Serena with Nissan’s 360 degrees Safety Shield which includes Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning & Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
These systems are in place to improve driver awareness and assist in avoiding collisions. While most of the systems utilize a series of warnings based on radar technology, the system can intervene and apply the brakes by itself should the driver not respond safely to the warnings.
The system also assesses if the driver seems tired and will even suggest that the driver takes a break if the vehicle drifts away from the lane too much. This feature is very useful on longer drives.
Available in Malaysia in two variants, the pricing of this New Nissan Serena starts from RM149,888 for the Highway Star and from RM162,888 for the Premium Highway Star.
Driving this Serena with its elevated driving position and large expanse of glass area is an advantage for any driver and passengers alike giving a good view of the road ahead and the scenery beyond.
The excellent all-round visibility makes this Serena easy to maneuver in tight city center streets and old neighbourhoods.
That said, once you are cruising on the highway, there is sufficient power to move a full load of passengers. There is also absolutely no shift shock from the CVT, making speed control easy.
The setup for riding comfort, which emphasizes leg room, is actually the same as when the earlier Serena S-Hybrid made its debut. The nicely set-up suspension with tire combination contributes to passenger comfort and quiet cabin.
We had no complaints from passengers in both rear rows when it came to getting in and out of the vehicle from the side doors, and the rear air conditioner was fast to cool on a hot humid day.
For the second-row seat, the operations can be arranged freely as a bench seat or as separate seats. When the seats are separated, the space connecting the second- and third-row seats allow for young kids and slim adults to get into the third row seat.
A comfortable, refined cruiser, packed with family friendly features and built to the usual Nissan standard make it a pretty tough package to beat in our MPV market.
Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Specifications
Engine: 4-cylinder 16V With CVTC
Displacement: 1997cc
Transmission: XTRONIC CVT
Max power: 150bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque: 200Nm @ 4400rpm
Top Speed: 160km/h as tested
0-100km/h: NA
Price: From RM149,888.00
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