Nissan Serena: Pros and cons

Looking after Nissan Malaysia in the luxury 7-seater MPV segment is the all-new Serena. Launched here in Malaysia in mid-2018. The Nissan Serena quickly gained attention because of all the features it offers at an attractive price point. There are, of course, other 7-seaters available in the market in a similar price range, but none of them appears to be a value-for-money proposition when compared to the Nissan Serena. We have divided this story into pros and cons of the Serena so that you can have a clear look yourself as to why this Japanese MPV is worth more than its asking price of RM 131,800.

Nissan Serena Pros

Modern looks

The Serena tends to please most of the people that get to have a look at it. Its biggest attractive element is its split headlight and turn indicator arrangement at the front. There are other interesting elements too that we like. For example, the two-tone color option looks great along with the blacked out D-pillar that gives an impression of a floating roof.

Interior space and comfort

Nissan has done a terrific job in creating a capacious cabin here. There is a plethora of space to move around for all the occupants. The rear seats are proper captain seats with individual armrest, and they can be slid forward and backward as well as reclined as per your comfort requirements. The last row is surprisingly comfortable as well. And sitting here during long journeys wouldn’t be a problem even for adults.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support

We’re glad that Nissan included both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support in the latest Serena. The 6.75-inch Clarion Advanced Display along with these two features really enhances the interaction experience.

Optimised engine

The Nissan Serena is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine which produces 110 PS at 6000 rpm and generates 200 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine is mated to an XTRONIC CVT with Adaptive Shift Control. Also, Nissan’s S-Hybrid System offers other features like ECO Motor with Electric Power Regenerator & Secondary Battery, Idling Start / Stop System. All of this together makes the new Serena more fuel efficient.

Convenient features

Nissan Serena specs have some interesting features that will definitely catch your attention. The Serena comes with hands-free dual power sliding door which allows you to open or close the rear door by a simple and quick kick below the door. The dual back door provides easy access to the boot by only opening the top half of the tailgate. We also like that there are 7 USB charging ports located inside the cabin for each passenger.

Safety features

We are glad to report that the Nissan Serena comes with a long list of safety features. You get front dual airbags, side airbags, full-length airbags, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM), Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD), Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA), ABS, EBD, BA, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Ride quality

Nissan didn’t try to make the Serena drive feel like a sporty MPV or a sedan. This is a great family vehicle. The suspension setup is soft and soaks in bumps nicely. The cabin insulation is good and provides a peaceful experience. The power delivery from the engine is very linear and it takes its sweet time to hit the 100km/h mark.

Nissan Serena Cons

Limited boot space

This is one of the main downsides that a 7-seater MPV like the Serena has to face. The 7 seater layout results in limited boot space. You can keep quite a few luggage here, but if you’re traveling full then it would become an issue. You can, of course, fold the rear seats for adjusting more luggage. However, by doing so you will make your Serena a 4-seater.

Foot parking brake

This is not that big of a letdown but it would have been better if Nissan would have provided a simple button for the electronic handbrake.

No audio control on the steering wheel

For some unknown reason, Nissan has decided not to provide audio control switches on the steering wheel of the Serena. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and comes with advanced drive assist display and cruise control switches, but no audio switches.

The Nissan Serena has got a lot of features to like and very few to dislike. It is available in two variants - 2.0L HIGHWAY STAR and 2.0L PREMIUM HIGHWAY STAR - with 7 different colors - Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver, Diamond Black, Cashmere Gold, Cashmere Gold With Imperial Umber Roof, Brilliant White With Diamond Black Roof and Tungsten Silver With Diamond Black Roof. The Nissan Serena price is RM 131,800 for the base model and RM 143,800 for the top-end model.