So when it is time to balik kampung for the year end school holidays and you and the family have been looking at a MPV to replace your ageing vehicle in the garage, there are plenty of used options in the market……but little NEW options. The number of options available in the used car market from older large boxy high engine sized MPV’s come with high maintenance and running costs and NO warranty. So, lets look at buying a new MPV with a strong warranty and good resale value.
Let us start with your basic needs. Engine size should be less than 2000cc for lower road tax and good fuel efficiency. The MPV must have seating for 7 in comfort and have some luxury amenities that families want today like USB points for portable devices and power sliding doors for easy access and good 3rd row comfort and the very necessary climate control air vents in all 3 rows to counter our heat.
WHICH MPV?
So…..what are the possibilities. Only ONE…the All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid with its long list of features catering for the family. This All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid comes with Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) features that have been added to provide a more exciting, confident and connected drive which includes a first in its class Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM), 4 cameras that provide a 360° bird’s-eye view of the vehicle for easier navigation. Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD) that detects moving objects surrounding the vehicle to alert the driver. Also a first for its segment, a Hands-Free Dual Power Sliding Doors that operates by a simple quick kick below the door to open or close.
For the passengers to be connected to the rest of the world, there are 7 USB-Powered Ports for electronic devices charging needs. Easy rear cargo access is possible with the dual rear hatch that can be opened easily even in tight parking spaces.
SAFETY?
Safety comes with 6 SRS Airbags as well as other safety features that include Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and ISOFIX Child Seat Restraint system for 2nd row seats.
DRIVER?
The driver gets a full colour 7-inch Advance Drive Assist Display (ADAD) which provides vehicle and driving information. There is a stylish Flat Bottom Leather Steering Wheel with Cruise Control. In the centre of the dashboard there is an asymmetrical centre cluster housing the premium 6.75-inch Clarion Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio that provides decent sound system. Push Start Ignition with an Intelligent Key for keyless operation gets you going. Keeping all passengers cool in our Malaysian heat is the Dual-Zone Auto Climate Control System with rear digital control panel as well as air conditioning ducts neatly arranged along the cabin roof of this Serena for all 3 rows.
SPACE & SEATS?
The interior space of the All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is the largest and most flexible in its class. The 7-seater MPV now comes with extended interior length by 180mm, additional 20mm and 65mm for its height and width respectively, offering more space between all rows of seats thus improving the ride comfort for all passengers. First in its class Zero Gravity Inspired Seats provide spinal support to reduce passenger fatigue during long drives is now available for 1st and 2nd row seats.
This Serena S-Hybrid now comes with 2nd row Captain Seats with dual armrest, and a personal table offering the luxury of individual seating. With this new seating layout, occupants gain a comfortable walkthrough access from the 1st to the 3rd row. This spacious 7-seater MPV follows it predecessors with a variety of seating and cargo combinations, offering 13 different seating configurations to fulfil all needs and requirements.
3rd row passengers will find it easy to exit this new Serena vehicle as Nissan cabin engineers have made rear access easier than with competing MPV’s by re-designing the C-pillar rearward by 50mm, to make a wider sliding door opening and with the addition of a Power Sliding Door Switch (left sliding door only) in the 3rd row, as well as a new step-release that enables 2nd row seats to slide forward with ease, passengers can exit the 3rd row comfortably and conveniently.
In terms of both its ergonomics and variability, the new 2+2+3 seating system impresses with this Serena. The second row 2-seats are easily adjusted or folded together with just a few hand movements. Due to their relatively high positions, the seats also offer exceptional thigh support and as a result excellent comfort on long journeys. There are also folding tables including a cup holder in the back of the driver and front passenger seats. The 3rd seating row; when not needed, it is easy to separately fold them up sideways to create a large cargo area.
DRIVE?
Driving this Serena with its elevated driving position and large expanse of glass area is an advantage for any driver and passengers alike giving a good view of the road ahead and the scenery beyond. The excellent all-round visibility makes this Serena easy to manoeuvre in tight city center streets and old neighbourhoods.
The 2-litre offers ECO mode driving is designed to save fuel when needed. This 1997cc engine delivers 200Nm of torque from 4400rpm, just where you need it for lugging a full load uphill. This engine makes for smooth progress and likes to rev as well pulling relatively cleanly to the red line, providing a rated power output of 150bhp and a good spread of usable power across the speed range. It is an efficient unit as well as delivering sensible dynamics. Its tall slim body should not be pushed hard around corners and driven above legal speed limits as this is strictly a family mover and should not be taken otherwise.
DECISION TIME
All in all, this Serena is packed with some thoughtful features that are needed by drivers in day to day motoring. This Serena also is a useful mode of transport for families or those who need that extra load space. A comfortable, refined cruiser, packed with family friendly features and built to the usual Nissan standard make it a pretty tough package to beat in this MPV segment and maybe even the next one up.
This All-New Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is priced at RM147,500 for the Premium Highway Star and RM135,500 for the Highway Star (OTR price without insurance for Peninsular Malaysia), with a 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty.
Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Specifications
Engine: 4-Cylinder DOHC 16V
Capacity: 1997cc
Power: 150bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque: 200Nm @ 4400rpm
Transmission: CVT with Adaptive Shift Control
0-100km/h: NA
Top speed: NA
Price: From RM135,500.00
