Nissan has just upped the mid-size MPV stakes with the introduction of the all-new, fifth generation Serena. As Japan’s dominant MPV, the new Serena receives a substantial makeover inside and out, along with technology that should help keep its shiny snout in front of competitors.
While the boxy MPV silhouette is familiar, the more expressive styling is a departure from the restraint shown in previous generations. The new Serena gets more swooshes and creases than ever before, with a deep character line running lengthwise and darkened D-pillars for that trendy ‘pillarless’ look. The V-motion inspired grille is still present but now has a two-tone finish.
The interior is claimed to be the ‘widest in its class’ (against domestic rivals) but is largely unchanged in its concept (it’ll still seat eight and retains the flexible centre seat that can also double up as an arm-rest). The aesthetics are new as one would expect; the chrome-lined centre console, reconstituted meter cluster and flat-bottom steering wheel taking prominence. Nissan also claims improved outward visibility thanks to slimmer A-pillars.
While technical specifications are sketchy in terms of powertrain options, Nissan says that the all-new Serena will carry over an improved version of the current S-Hybrid powertrain (a 2.0-litre direct injection four-cylinder assisted by an electric motor). But for the first time in the Japanese market, the Serena will feature Nissan’s autonomous drive technology otherwise known as ProPilot (see video below).
But before you get your soba all bunched up, the fifth-gen Serena will take some time before it’ll be ready for local assembly in Malaysia. After all, the introduction of the fourth-gen Serena (which started in CBU form) only took place two years after its Japan debut, though we hope it won’t take that long this time round.
In the meantime, the current Serena sold here has just received a sporty makeover courtesy of Impul – the famed Japanese tuning firm that specializes in Nissan models. Dubbed the Serena S-Hybrid Tuned by Impul, the eight-seater gets a new front bumper, rear bumper spoiler, side skirts, rear roof spoiler, front fender chrome ducts, chrome bonnet fin and Japan-made 18-inch Impul alloys shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres. Prices start from RM145,578.59 for the 2.0-litre Impul Highway Star variant.
