The next-generation Nissan Serena has been spotted undergoing testing again. Rather than the dreary, snowy conditions from an earlier sighting, prototypes of the MPV here are seen out in the sunshine.
Still wearing a substantial amount of camouflage, the new Serena doesn’t appear to have its boxy, “carry anything” shape altered. The MPV’s profile appears to be retained, but changes can be seen at the front, where on the lead test mule, there is now a single-bar upper grille. However, the two-slate design seen in earlier spyshots is still found on the car behind it. This could indicate that there will be variant-specific designs when the MPV is introduced.
Elsewhere, the lower grille on the lead test mule has been redesigned to adopt a multi-slate design, with the second test mule adopting a less pronounced design. New headlamps appear to be fitted on both, while the hood appears to be reshaped to follow along the contours of said headlamps. Updates at the rear sees larger rear combination tail lamps.
We also get to see the Serena’s all-new interior for the very first time. As you can see, the entire dashboard layout has been redone. The top dash now includes a wider but shorter instrument binnacle (with new displays), followed by what appears to be leather upholstery that lends a premium feel to things.
Moving on, the air-con vents are now positioned alongside the infotainment unit. In fact, the centre stack is totally new, highlighted by a silver-painted surround. It hosts the car’s new air-con switchgear, as well as the gear selector and electronic parking brake.
On the driver’s side meanwhile, there is a new four-spoke multi-function, flat-bottom steering wheel with a redesigned stowage box just in front of it. Buttons for controlling what should be the car’s auto start-stop, electric-powered doors and ‘Eco’ driving mode can also be seen. For the passenger, the stowage spaces have been made larger, and there appears to be a power outlet that is easily accessible.
Between the two (driver and passenger), we can see a headrest that extends out from the centre armrest, appearing to hint that the new Serena could be adopting three-abreast front seating much like the Fiat Multipla and Honda FR-V.
However, it really just means that the rear centre seat can be slid forwards and folded to form the centre armrest, a feature carried over from the current car. The addition of a new centre headrest could be due to regulations requiring all seats to be fitted with headrests to reduce whiplash injuries caused by rear impacts.
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So much potential with this car, but sellable factor limited by its boxy shape
the trend of huge stupid touchscreen on new dashboard layout really not my cup of teh…
Don’t don’t chunk.
The headrest in the middle may just be the center seat from the second row, just like the current Serena. It can slide forward to become front row handrest and making it a seven-seater with second row captain seats.
Ah, yes, forgot about that. We’ve amended the article in response.
Thanks for pointing it out!
We have the Serena Hybrid with us for more than a year now and it’s damn good in every way – fuel economy, space, features, comfort. I’d highly recommend this to young families.
Mercedes steering wheel spotted
We got the current model pretty late after it was launched. Thailand got the model alot earlier.
so don’t hold your breath for it. Tan Chong is known for their slooooww reaction when it comes to introducing new model.
Yawn zzzzz