drive
Versatile people carrier
If you are looking for a practical and comfortable people carrier at an affordable price, Nissan’s new Serena S-Hybrid is a good choice.
The refreshed Serena S-Hybrid is Malaysia’s first locally-assembled hybrid multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
Tagged from RM138,800 with additional features, it is a bargain compared with the imported base model priced at RM149,000 launched over a year ago, which immediately made an impact in the local mid-sized MPV segment.
The new Serena S-Hybrid is Japan’s number one bestselling MPV with class-leading fuel economy, capable of achieving 15.2km/litre on the Japan JC08 test cycle and qualifies for tax exemption as an energy efficient vehicle.
It has a more stylish and dynamic fascia, whilst retaining its unique 14 different seating configurations.
It comes in two guises — the Premium Highway Star and Highway Star — and is powered by Nissan’s MR20DD 2.0L, 4-cylinder DOHC direct-injection petrol engine. Mated with the latest generation XTRONIC CVT (continuously variable transmission) gearbox with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), it delivers 145hp with a maximum torque of 210Nm at 4,400rpm.
New features include redesigned three-dimensional chrome plating front grille, first-in-class LED head lamps with LED signature lamps and front bumper design with fog lamps, as well as new bonnet and fender styling.
At the rear, LED combination lamps are now fashioned with a distinctive S-shaped line. Completing the look are new side mouldings and new 16-inch chrome alloy wheels.
Featuring idling start-stop and using a simple yet compact hybrid system, its ECO electric motor serves as an auxiliary power source to provide engine assistance and power regeneration, with an additional battery unit for extra storage capacity.
Safety features carried over from its predecessor include dual SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) with brake assist (BA), vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and traction control system (TCS).
We took the Premium Highway Star version for a spin from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka and were amazed with the level of comfort offered by the new Serena S-Hybrid.
Measuring 4,770mm in length, 1,865mm in height and 1,735mm, it has generous amount of space and comfort for eight people while offering 14 different seating and cargo configurations. A spare tyre, located underneath the front passenger seat, is now offered as standard.
The automatic climate control keeps the cabin at the desired temperature while the air-conditioning control panel in the second row allows the rear occupants to make the necessary adjustments.
Another bonus for second row occupants is the built-in sunshades that provide them with protection from the sun.
The one-touch twin powered sliding doors also enable easy access and exit for the rear occupants.
Despite its large size, with a kerb weight of 1,699kg, it was easy to manoeuvre this MPV on narrow trunk roads and city lanes, with the MacPherson struts in front and the torsion beam axle, aided by versatile springs and dampers, cushioning meddling and unwanted bumps and potholes for a comfortable ride.
The Premium Highway Star grade includes roof spoilers and door visors for a sportier look. It also comes with V-Kool Elite Security, Armorcoat and Solar Gard tinting.
It has a combination of leather seats to elevate the level of comfort, while the head unit includes a 6.5-inch multimedia navigator with rear view camera, DVD player and iPod connectivity as well as USB and Bluetooth with a 10.1-inch roof-mounted LCD panel.
The MR20DD direct-injection and twin CVTC engine combines well with the XTRONIC CVT and performs efficiently to achieve high torque at low speed, lower fuel economy and lesser emissions.
While this MPV can easily surpass 180km/h with an invisible tinge of body roll – stability underpinned by the well-engineered chassis – and the occupants bathed in relative comfort, owners are strictly advised to follow the road legal limit without compromising their safety at breakaway speeds and the law.
Even at fast speeds, noise, vibration and harshness level in the cabin is impressively negligible.
The new Serena S-Hybrid is priced from RM149,500 for the Premium Highway Star and RM138,800 for the Highway Star (OTR prices with insurance for Peninsular Malaysia), with a warranty of three years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.
It comes in two new colours, Garnet Red and Graphite Blue, alongside its three current colours of Diamond Black, Brilliant White and Tungsten Silver.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor, the custodian of the Nissan brand in Malaysia, is offering three-year free maintenance service as well as the chance to win a three-day/two-night Legoland Malaysia holiday, inclusive of accommodation and access to the Legoland Theme Park and Water Park for customers who register before Dec 31.
To sum up, the new Serena S-Hybrid is an attractive proposition, a practical and comfortable people carrier at an affordable price.
Specifications of the new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid:
Engine: 1,997cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC with twin CVTC, direct fuel injection
Hybrid system: Eco motor generator and second battery, idling stop/start, Eco mode
Max power: 145hp @ 5,600rpm
Max torque: 210Nm @ 4,400rpm
Transmission: Xtronic CVT with ASC
Safety features: ABS, EBD with BA, VDC, TCS, hill start assist, SRS airbag (front driver and passenger), cruise control, active front head restraints, child seat Isofix
Price: Premium Highway Star – RM149,500; Highway Star – RM138,800 (all OTR w/insurance) — December 18, 2014.
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