2023 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star Review

The MPV market in Malaysia has always been a primary choice for family users, especially in the C-segment category. Consumers not only care about spatial practicality but also have clear requirements for fuel efficiency and configurations. The 2023 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star, as a popular model in this category, retains the advantage of a spacious interior in this facelift while enhancing intelligent safety configurations and hybrid system efficiency. Our core focus for this test drive is to verify whether it can meet the family users' demands for "balance and peace of mind."

From the exterior, the Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star follows a rounded and full design style, which aligns with the practical positioning of MPVs. The front features a large V-Motion chrome grille, paired with a trapezoidal air intake below, adding a sense of layering visually. The sharp design of the LED headlights connects to the grille, forming an integrated design with decent recognizability. The body side features smooth lines with double waistlines extending from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The 15-inch wheels, though not large, are paired with 195/65 R15 tires, balancing comfort and off-road capabilities. At the rear, the horizontally extended split LED taillights connect with the chrome trim, enhancing the visual width. The lower part of the rear bumper features a black guard plate with a silver trim accent, adding a bit of sportiness. The overall design is not overly flashy, leaning more towards stability and practicality.

Opening the door, the interior primarily uses black as the main color tone, complemented by silver trim accents, creating a simple overall atmosphere. The center console layout is clear, with a 6.75-inch touchscreen positioned appropriately, providing good operational fluency and supporting Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. The steering wheel is multifunctional, with audio and phone controls on the left side, and driving assistance system controls on the right, offering a moderate grip. Regarding the seats, the front row seats support manual adjustments and are equipped with extendable armrests, providing decent support for long drives. The standout feature is the second-row seats, which support manual adjustments and long sliding rails, along with extendable armrests and small tables, allowing passengers to easily adjust to comfortable positions ideal for long journeys. The third-row seats adopt a 50:50 split design, which can be folded up to expand trunk space. In terms of space performance, the vehicle length measures 4770mm with a wheelbase of 2860mm. The maximum legroom in the second row can reach approximately 1 meter, and the third row can accommodate two adults without feeling too cramped. The standard trunk volume can fit three 20-inch suitcases, and with the third row folded, it can hold larger items. For storage, the front and rear door storage compartments, central armrest console, and storage slot under the second-row small table can basically meet daily usage needs.

In terms of power, it is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine paired with a 3PS electric motor in a mild hybrid system. The engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 150PS and a maximum torque of 200N·m, while the electric motor provides 2.2kW of power and 48N·m of torque, coupled with a CVT transmission. At startup, the electric motor provides slight assistance, reducing the engine load for a smooth start. During acceleration, the engine reaches its maximum torque at 4400rpm, delivering responsive power in the mid and low-speed range. When overtaking and pressing the accelerator harder, the CVT transmission simulates gear shifts, ensuring linear power output without noticeable jerks. There are two driving modes: Eco and Normal. The throttle response is slightly delayed in Eco mode, suitable for daily commuting, while Normal mode offers more direct power, ideal for highway driving.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is light, with precise steering, making daily parking or low-speed driving very easy; the chassis adopts a front MacPherson + rear torsion beam suspension, which is tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension can filter out most of the vibrations, and there is no obvious bumpiness; during cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range and not overly noticeable. Fuel consumption performance is good; we drove 50km on both congested city roads and highways, achieving an average fuel consumption of about 7.2L/100km, which is close to the official figure of 7L/100km. For a 7-seater MPV, this fuel efficiency is commendable.

The driving assistance features are comprehensive, including lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. In practical use, the lane departure warning system alerts when the vehicle crosses the lane marking, and the automatic emergency braking system slows the vehicle when it detects obstacles in front, enhancing driving safety. The 360-degree panoramic camera provides high definition, allowing the surrounding environment to be seen clearly when parking, making it easy for novice drivers. In terms of noise control, at highway speeds, wind and tire noise can be faintly heard but do not affect conversation inside the car; engine noise becomes more noticeable during acceleration but remains within an acceptable range.

In summary, the key advantages of the 2023 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star are its large space, practical second-row features, good fuel consumption performance, and comprehensive safety features. Compared to competitors such as the Toyota Estima or Honda Odyssey, it has a more budget-friendly price and more comprehensive features, offering outstanding value for money. This vehicle is suitable for families who prioritize space and fuel economy, especially those who frequently embark on long trips with family members; at the same time, its comprehensive safety features make it suitable for novice drivers. Overall, the Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star is a well-balanced and practical 7-seater MPV that can meet the daily needs of family users effectively.