New Nissan Serena Debuts in Japan – Now with Proper Hybrid Powertrain

The crossover conquest for auto world domination sees manufacturers conjuring SUVs in multiple sizes and seat configuration, providing an avenue of choices for customers. Although full-sized SUVs with three-row seats are getting more popular nowadays, demand for the traditional minivans and MPVs still exists in many key markets such as Japan.

The latest of such to debut in the Land of the Rising Sun is the all-new 2023 Nissan Serena. Now in its sixth generation, the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) minivan comes with two mill flavours, mild autopilot functions as well as a new-but-familiar overall look.

Powering the new Serena is either a 2.0-litre nat-asp mill or a full-fledged 1.4-litre hybrid powertrain. Paired with an Xtronic CVT box, the standard 2.0-litre mill outputs about 150 HP and 200 NM, putting it in the same ballpark as the previous-gen Serena that we’ve recently reviewed.

As for the hybrid option, the quieter 1.4-litre e-POWER mill alone produces 98 HP and 123 NM. Working in-tandem with the hybrid electric motor, the whole setup generates a total of 163 HP and 315 NM – quite peppy figures for a capable people-mover.

The hybrid layout also allows the new Serena to function as a moving giant power bank. Its 1,500 W power source is enough to juice up small electrical appliances, a very helpful addition especially during emergency situations or pleasurable ones such as outdoor getaways.

Another variant-dependent feature is the new Serena’s actual dimension. Depending on the trim level, the Serena is either 4,690 MM or 4,765 long and 1,695 MM or 1,715 MM wide. This also translates to difference in kerb weight, varying from 2,110 KG to 2,235 KG. As for the wheelbase, it comes in either 3,135 MM or 3,145 MM – a significant increase compared to the old one (2,860 MM).

Still prepping the boxy minivan look, the new Serena features a (not so) new front fascia, taking hints from Nissan’s latest design language. Its V-shaped front grille and segmented LED headlights are all very much ‘inspired’ from the ongoing fifth-gen Serena, with minor tweaks and positioning to make it a tad bit different.

Carried over from the outgoing Serena are the hands-free, powered dual sliding doors, albeit updated slightly with a new feature - passengers need only to ‘wave’ their foot on the side of the door to open it, making it a very well-thought out addition.

Moving to the rear, the 2023 Serena swaps its predecessor’s curvy vertical taillights and slightly juxtaposed rear lip for a much cleaner, sleeker design. The recurring dual-tone hue option surely helps in cutting-off this rather boxy and tall MPV’s silhouette, making them seem wider and lower.

Inside the new Serena, the cabin features three rows of seats that can house either seven or eight pax, again depending on its trim level. Thanks to said wheelbase length increase, the driver’s seat gets an extra 120 MM of legroom, providing much-needed comfort in this family car.

Customers now can indulge their drinks worry-free inside the new Serena, as it comes with water-repellent seat upholstery. Multiple USB ports, dedicated climate vents and controls for all three rows, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity complete the Serena’s family-friendly amenities.

Being a people-mover, the new Serena boasts a plethora of advanced driver’s assistant (ADAS) features, headlined by the ProPilot 2.0 semi-autonomous driving assistance. This enables hands-free driving in a single lane highway at a capped speed of 40 KM/H. Other standard ADAS features are all available, including the ProPilot Park parking assist.

The 2023 Nissan Serena comes in multiple trim levels, with the 8-seater X variant being the lowest and the e-POWER Luxion being the highest spec. Price starts at around JPY2,768,700 (RM90,007) for the baseline 2.0-litre X spec, while the range-topping 7-seater Luxion commands a much heftier JPY4,798,200 (RM155,983) price tag.

For comparison, the current 2022 Nissan Serena that we’ve recently reviewed is priced RM162,888 sans tax in our Malaysian market.

So, what do you think of the latest-gen Nissan Serena? Excited to see local Nissan vanguards Edaran Tan Chong Motor offer this in the near future? Leave your thoughts and views in the comments down below…