The Nissan Serena e-POWER offers versatility and economy in an affordable package
Singapore – An easy to manage footprint and versatile. The Nissan Serena has quite a lot going for it, especially for those who need a (somewhat) affordable family workhorse.
In its sixth-generation, the Serena was first unveiled in 2024. The Smart 8 variant we test drove here, adds a +1 seat to the equation, which could be an easy sell for larger families. In 7-seat format, the Serena’s seating layout is set as 2+2+3. The additional seat is stowed cleverly forward, doubling as an armrest for the MPV’s front occupants.
I have to give a caveat that the extra seat is best described as the sort you’d use for the occasional +1, since it is rather narrow. On most days, the additional seat is best stowed forward, leaving an aisle between the middle seats. Overall, the extra seat is more good than bad, especially since… you know, COEs. You would want to get more out of your vehicle.
Enough about that seat. What about the car?
Pretty good stuff really… The Serena e-POWER runs on a series hybrid powertrain, which means that it drives very much like an EV. The 1.4 litre engine only does the job of generating charge to the battery. Over here, the motor puts out 159hp (120kW) and a healthy 315Nm.
Acceleration is inherently smooth, and even with a full load, you get plenty of torque from the get-go to haul. There are some faint vibrations which feed into the cabin once the 1.4 litre 3-cylinder engine wakes up to do its work, but overall, driving the Serena can be well described as… serene. My consumption figures were a combined 18km/l, which is pretty impressive.
Perhaps If I had any complaints, that would be that the steering could have more tilt in its adjustment, and that the seats could offer more lateral support. The MPV’s handling also be a tad better, but that is just me.
A pleasant cabin with good quality materials
A good mix of gloss black and soft-touch surface line the interior. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. The system itself is decently intuitive.
The interior’s high roofline translates to a generous amount of headroom, making it easier for rear occupants to get in and out of the vehicle. With the higher roofline, Nissan has also included a pair of sun shades for the second row passengers.
I like that third-row passengers do not feel like they are forgotten here, as the rear passenger cell of the Serena comes equipped with cup holders and fold-out tables for both rows. The third row also has dedicated air-conditioning vents to keep temperatures down.
With all the seats deployed, the Serena offers 280 litres of boot space on a flat floor, which is easily enough for that weekly grocery run, or even for when you are seeing someone off at the airport. If more hauling capacity is needed, the third row folds neatly upwards and to the sides, and almost flush with the rear wheel arches.
For a touch of added versatility, the Serena’s split rear tailgate offers easy access in tighter confines – one of my two favourite features of the car… The other being the discreet parking camera button beside the ‘Volume’ knob.
Plenty good here
I feel that the Nissan Serena is superbly thought-through, from its passenger layout, how the additional seat deploys, passenger conveniences and comfort, and also that practical split tailgate.
That additional seat is about a $2,000 bump in the price tag, but I think it is a worthwhile addition.
Text & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic fuel efficiency | Steering could use more tilt |
| Comfortable ride | Seats need more lateral support |
| Loaded with features |
Nissan Serena e-POWER Smart 8
| Drivetrain | Petrol-electric hybrid |
| Layout | 1,496cc, inline 4 |
| Power / torque | 159hp / 315Nm |
| Transmission | Single speed |
| Efficiency | 20.4km/l |
| Fuel Capacity | 52 Litres |
| 0-100km/h | – |
| Top Speed | – |
| VES Band | A2 |
| Dealer | Tan Chong Motor |
| Price | S$223,800 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Smooth delivery, seats up to eight, well thought-through interior |
