The all-new sixth-generation Nissan Serena, coming in ICE-powered and hybrid forms armed with plenty of space, technology, and practicality, in order to rival the Toyota Noah/Voxy and Honda Step WGN e:HEV. The new Serena adopts Nissan’s latest design language with fancy LEDs merging with the V-motion grille at the front and a more sculpted bodywork, while retaining the boxy shape that is typical of minivans.
Typical of Japanese models, the minivan is
available in two slightly different variations in terms of styling. More
specifically, the top-spec Serena Luxion has more pronounced bumpers and side
skirts, featuring a grille that is merging with the lower intake. For those who
want something sportier and more premium, there is also the Autech version with
a chrome-infused exterior and different upholstery inside.
The footprint is only slightly increased
compared to the previous generation, with a length of 4,690 or 4,765 mm, a width of 1,695 or 1,715 mm, a height
of 1,870 or 1,885 mm and a wheelbase of 2,870 mm. The focus of minivan buyers is the interior, which is where Nissan
designers and engineers put the most effort. The new generation has an extra
120 mm of driver legroom compared to its predecessor while a multi-purpose
center seat in the second row changes the interior layout from a 7-seater to an
8-seater. Each passenger has access to smartphone pockets, cupholders, USB
ports, and onboard Wi-Fi.
The dashboard is quite modern with a fully
digital cockpit and a button-operated automatic gearbox next to the
touch-sensitive panel for the climate controls. The minivan is also equipped
with optional hands-free operated sliding doors and a dual tailgate for easier
unloading in tight spaces. Hybrid models can also be equipped with an optional
100v AC (1,500 Watt) power outlet. In terms of safety, the flagship Serena
Luxion benefits from the ProPILOT 2.0 suite, enabling hands-free driving on the
highway and remote parking with the ability to memorize parking spaces. As for
the lesser trims, they all get the regular ProPILOT as standard. The automaker
claims that the Serena has “the most spacious cabin in the minivan segment” and
“the widest windscreen”. In a quest to reduce motion sickness, Nissan created a
new seat that dampens movement, changed the position of the digital cockpit,
improved sound insulation, fitted a rigid steering wheel, a
crosswind-deflecting structure, and tighter suspension, and ensured smooth
acceleration from the second-generation e-Power system.
Speaking of which, the hybrid has a
1.4-liter three-cylinder engine and a single electric motor producing 161 hp and 315 Nm of torque. There is also an ICE-only
version fitted with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that
produces 148 hp and 200 Nm of torque. This one is
exclusively mated to a CVT gearbox, coming in FWD and 4WD guises, unlike the
FWD-only hybrid.
The new Nissan Serena is already available
to order in Japan. Pricing ranges from ¥ 2,768,700 (US$ 20,098) for the entry-level
ICE-powered trim, up to ¥ 4,798,200 (US$ 34,842) for the flagship e-Power Luxion
hybrid. Notably, the latter is more expensive than the high-spec variants of
both the Toyota and Honda minivan rivals.
