The sixth-generation (C28) Nissan Serena is expected to be launched in Malaysia based on a sighting of a camouflaged unit undergoing testing last year. We’ve already gotten up close with the all-new MPV during our time at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, although the one we photographed then was a welcab version designed for people with disabilities.
This one here is the standard version that was on display at the recent Singapore Motorshow with a seven-seat layout, which is one of two options (the other is an eight-seater) that will be made available when the latest Serena goes on sale in Singapore sometime in the second quarter of 2024.
Our neighbours got the previous-generation (C27) Serena with an e-Power system, and that won’t change with the C28. The latest version of the e-Power hybrid setup for the MPV drops the HR12DE engine in favour of the HR14DDe engine delivering 98 PS (97 hp or 72 kW) and 123 Nm.
Both are naturally-aspirated three-cylinder petrol engines, but the latter has a higher capacity of 1.4 litres compared to 1.2 litres and serves the same purpose as a generator to charge a lithium-ion battery.
This then then powers a front-mounted EM57 electric motor rated at 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW), which is an increase from the 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW) of the previous model, although torque has gone down to 315 Nm from 320 Nm. There’s no mechanical link between the engine and front wheels, so the electric motor is the only means of motivation for the Serena e-Power.
As for Malaysia, the C27 currently on sale is powered by a MR20DD 2.0 litre NA four-cylinder petrol engine with 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW) and 200 Nm. There is a hybrid element in the form of a small electric motor providing 2.6 PS (2.4 hp or 1.8 kW) and 48 Nm of accelerative boost when needed – drive goes to the front wheels via an Xtronic CVT. In Japan, both the e-Power system and MR20DD are offered.
The latest Serena measures between 4,690 and 4,765 mm long, between 1,695 and 1,715 mm wide, between 1,870 and 1,885 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,870 mm, which isn’t that different from its predecessor.
Design-wise, the latest Serena appears to be an evolution of its predecessor, with notable design cues being a more modern take on the brand’s signature V-motion grille, which seamlessly blends into the multi-tier headlamps. The boxy profile is retained, albeit with more pronounced lines on the sides, while the rear gets narrower taillights hugging the edges of the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the interior gets a notable overhaul with a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system on the dashboard. There are also discreet air vents and an angled panel containing the climate controls, gear selector (no more shift lever) and other vehicle functions.
This particular example has a 2-2-3 seat layout, with the second row being captain chairs with foldable tables behind the front seat seatbacks. As before, the third-row seats can be folded away to the sides of interior to allow for more boot space.
For now, there has been no indication so far as to when the C28 Serena will be launched in Malaysia. Are you looking forward to its arrival? How do you like the redesign of the MPV? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Come to Malaysia year 2034….
TCM the major obstacle as always
For Malaysia, nevermind. Take your sweet time Tan Chong. If 2024 Tan Chong cannot launch, there’s always 2042 to catch up. Malaysians have gotten used to Tan Chong style of managing Nissan, provided Nissan still around year 2042.
Another Japanese cartoon looking refrigerator.
The 2 units on display at the motor show, I felt was pretty indicative of what we might get in Malaysia – Highway Stay and Highway Star Premium
Plz bring in the 8seater..i like the movable ctr seat for 2nd row. And also e power.
oops…front side profile looks like the 10-year-old Mazda biante
https://paultan.org/2013/11/13/2013-mazda-biante-launched-rm146k/
Will the crusty old men in charge of TAN Chong allow e-power to be sold here? Or maintain. The con job “Hybrid” Engine?
Will the crusty old men in charge of Tan Chong allow Power to be sold here? Or still maintain the con job so called ‘Hybrid’ engine?
my last van i drove was nissan vanette as family vehicle..35years later, a van for family is still in demand.. driving a van is not for me, no matter how high tech it can be.. make sense for bosses that never drive his own van..
Tan Chong should lose its Nissan Dealership. the brand is not growing in Malaysia and not many models launched. the brand is losing its market share under TCM.
Man I emailed them every months asking when next latest X-Trail(T33) gonna landed and trust me I not gonna stop to annoyed them until the higher up wake up and do their fking work.
launch date: japan Q4 2022
spied date: malaysia Q4 2022, now singapore motorshow
planned by etcm to bring in malaysia: Q4 2025
launch c29: japan Q4 2025
etcm proudly bring in c28 m’sia: Q4 2027, all new serena.
congrats, nissan owner.
The Serena has been launched in Singapore now