Nissan Serena: Variants explained

Apart from the Nissan Grand Livina, the Serena is the only other MPV from Nissan that is available in the Malaysian market. But make no mistake, both these large vehicles are quite different from each other. Nissan launched the Serena to occupy a share of the growing luxurious 7-seater MPV segment in the country. Being one of the latest such MPVs, the Serena has got all the charm to lure in more customers. The Nissan Serena variants that are available in Malaysia for purchase include 2.0L HIGHWAY STAR and 2.0L PREMIUM HIGHWAY STAR. Instead of being different, both these variants have got a lot in common. Let’s have a look.

Design and styling

Being a premium 7-seater MPV, the Nissan Serena has quite an appealing design. It is easy to recognise this vehicle because of its unique front end. The split headlight and turn signal setup are modern and stylish. The automatic LED projector with auto levelling & LED signature lamp is common in both the variants. And we like the fog lights with LED DRLs and the large yet sober front grille.

The side of the Nissan Serena features a set of beautiful alloy wheels. While the 2.0L HIGHWAY STAR gets 15-inch wheels with a tyre size of 195/55, the higher 2.0L PREMIUM HIGHWAY STAR model has 16-inch wheels and a wider tyre profile of 205/55.

Another difference between the two variants is the color scheme. The base model is not available in a two-tone colour scheme whereas the higher-end model is. You also get a door visor and security film tinting with the Premium variant.

Interior and features

The interior of the Nissan Serena is really spacious and luxurious. It has been designed to accommodate 7-people with ease. The availability of captain seats in the middle row is fantastic and enhances the comfort level. Also, there are numerous storage spaces located at many places in the cabin.

Some of the common features of both the variants of the Nissan Serena include leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls, 7-Inch full color advanced drive-assist display (ADAD), android auto and Apple CarPlay support, dual-zone AC with vents for each row, zero gravity inspired seats, and 7 USB ports.

The 2.0L PREMIUM HIGHWAY STAR variant gets a few additional features like a 10.1-inch roof mounted LCD panel for entertainment needs of the passengers, LED room lamp, "TECH-ON" Tray Mat, and Combination Leather (Two-Tone Truffle Brown/Chestnut or Single-Tone Black) for the seats.

Engine and performance

The Nissan Serena specs of both the models reveal that they come with the same MR20DD 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine which features DOHC with Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable-valve Timing Control). The engine produces 110 PS at 6000 rpm and generates 200 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine is mated to an XTRONIC CVT with adaptive shift control.

Both the variants also come with Nissan’s S-hybrid system which features an ECO Motor with electric power regenerator & secondary battery, idling start/stop system, and torque assist. So, in terms of engine and performance, both the variants of the Nissan Serena are exactly the same.

Safety features

There is a good number of safety features available with the Nissan Serena. Features like front airbags, side airbags, full length curtain airbags, Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM), Intelligent Moving Object Detection (I-MOD), Intelligent Driver Alertness (I-DA), ABS, EBD, BA, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA) are common in both 2.0L HIGHWAY STAR and 2.0L PREMIUM HIGHWAY STAR variants. The only additional safety feature that you will find in the higher-end model is the Driver Video Recorder. This means that Nissan hasn’t compromised the safety of the occupants of the Serena based on its variants.

These were some of the trivial differences between the two variants of the Serena. We appreciate Nissan for keeping features that are important and matter common in both the models. The Nissan Serena price for the 2.0L HIGHWAY STAR variant is set at RM 131,800 and the higher-end 2.0L PREMIUM HIGHWAY STAR comes at a price of RM 143,800.