Check out the facelifted Nissan Serena, limited to Japan

KUALA LUMPUR: It was only last month when Nissan previewed the facelifted Serena MPV, and now it has gone on sale in Japan. The refreshed model comes with cosmetic tweaks along with a few new safety equipment.

Starting with the visual updates, the Nissan MPV now gets the ‘double V-motion’ grille. The standard models get a black surround for the chrome grille with twin slates. Adding to its sportier looks is the sharper front and rear bumper designs.

However, it is the Highway Star model that grabs all the attention with its unique full-length grille that extends all the way to the centre air intake - they come with chrome inserts that have a jewel-like look. The front bumper gets L-shaped inserts on the edges that are now aggressive and larger than before, the same reflects on the rear as well. The car stands on 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and the rear gets LED taillights that give the car a wider look via its outward curve.

Both the Nissan Serena models come with redesigned split headlights with chrome strip instead of body color units. On the Highway Star model, the headlamps flow into enormous grille chrome borders neatly. The range-topping models display LED headlights with 12 diodes on each side that can be operated individually.

The facelifted model now comes with two new exterior color option - Dark Metal Grey and Sunrise Orange - both can be opted with a two-tone scheme with a Diamond Black roof. The e-Power models benefit from the new, aerodynamic 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels.

The cabin reflects only a few changes like optional waterproof seat covers along with a redesigned instrumental console. The safety kit now includes Blind Spot Warning, Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Intelligent Emergency Braking.

Powering the Serena is an MR20DD 2.0-litre direct-injected, 4-cylinder, twin-CVTC mill that develops 147 PS of power and 210 Nm of torque. It is coupled with a 1.8 kW electric motor and Xtronic CVT. The motor provides 50 Nm of accelerative boost. The car is offered in both all- and front-wheel drive.

As for the e-Power Serena model, it gets a 79 PS/ 103 Nm HR12DE 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine along with a 136 PS/ 320 Nm electric motor.