Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Review

Nowadays, the MPV market for Malaysian families is highly competitive. Consumers value space practicality while placing higher demands on fuel economy and smart configurations. The 2023 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star series, as a facelift model, directly targets the core needs of this niche market, drawing attention with its optimized smart features, more comfortable interior layout, and stable hybrid fuel economy performance. This test drive focuses on the actual performance after the facelift to see if it can stand out among MPVs in the same price range and become the preferred choice for family users.

In terms of appearance, the 2023 Serena continues the classic MPV silhouette, with the body dimensions remaining the same as the previous model: length 4,770mm, width 1,740mm, height 1,865mm, and a wheelbase of 2,860mm, ensuring a spacious interior. The front face features highly recognizable LED headlights, paired with a chrome-accented front grille for a more stable look. The smooth side profile lacks overly complex design elements, emphasizing practicality — the sliding side doors make it easier for rear passengers to get in and out, especially convenient when traveling with children or elderly passengers. The LED taillight assembly at the rear echoes the headlights, while the rear bumper design is simple yet functional. The overall exterior matches the positioning of a family MPV, without overly aggressive design, but the chrome details add a touch of refinement.

Inside, the 2023 Serena's interior layout sees significant upgrades compared to the 2022 model. The Premium Highway Star version is equipped with a 9-inch touch screen in the center console, larger than the standard version's 6.75-inch screen, with improved operating fluency. The dashboard adopts a fully digital design, displaying information such as fuel consumption and power output clearly. In terms of materials, the central console and door panels are wrapped in soft-touch materials. While it doesn't match the texture of luxury cars, it ranks slightly above average for MPVs in this price range. Both variants feature standard configurations such as keyless entry, a multifunction steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic air conditioning (the Premium version offers dual-zone, while the standard version has been upgraded from single-zone to dual-zone compared to the previous model), all of which enhance daily convenience. For the seats, the front row supports manual adjustment with extendable armrests, the second row retains manual adjustment, long sliding rails, and small tables, and the third row supports a 50:50 split and upward folding. The flexible seating layout caters to different scenarios — for instance, folding down the third row expands the trunk space to accommodate large luggage, making it suitable for family camping or shopping trips.

Space performance is one of Serena's core strengths. The 2,860mm wheelbase provides ample legroom for second-row passengers, allowing even those 175cm tall to sit comfortably with legs crossed. The long sliding track design of the second-row seats enables front-back adjustments to provide more legroom or free up space for the third row. While the third-row seats are not as spacious as the second, they can still comfortably accommodate two adult passengers for short trips, and they're perfectly comfortable for children. In terms of storage, door panel pockets, the storage slot under the center console, and small tables in the second row meet the demands of storing everyday carry items, maximizing practicality.

Powertrain: The 2023 Serena is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine and a 3PS electric motor mild hybrid system. The engine delivers a maximum output of 110kW (150PS) and a maximum torque of 200N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During actual driving, the electric motor provides slight assistance during startup, making the start smoother, though it does not deliver a pronounced push-back sensation. During acceleration, the CVT transmission performs adequately with smooth shifting but lacks explosiveness, making it better suited for family users seeking stable driving. During high-speed cruising, the engine revs maintain around 2500rpm with stable power output. Overtaking requires a deeper throttle press, as the engine response is slightly delayed, but it still meets daily needs.

In terms of handling, the Serena’s steering wheel is light, making it suitable for city driving and parking. Although road feedback is not very pronounced, this tuning better suits the needs of family-oriented users as an MPV. The suspension system consists of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. When handling common urban speed bumps and uneven roads, the suspension filters out most vibrations, ensuring that rear passengers do not experience significant discomfort. When cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range without giving a "boating" sensation, offering overall good stability.

Fuel efficiency is a highlight of hybrid models, with an official combined fuel consumption rating of 7L/100km. During this test drive, which covered approximately 200km and included both congested urban roads and highways, the actual fuel consumption was around 7.3L/100km, close to the official figure. This makes the fuel economy performance excellent within the same MPV segment. In terms of noise control, the cabin remains quiet during low-speed driving. At higher speeds, wind and tire noise increase slightly, but it does not affect normal conversations, meeting expectations overall.

Regarding safety features, the 2023 Serena comes standard with 6 airbags, ABS, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The 360-degree surround-view camera makes parking easier. These features are considered standard for vehicles in this price range but effectively ensure driving safety.

In summary, the key strengths of the 2023 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star series lie in its practical space, flexible seating layout, and stable fuel economy. Compared to the 2022 model, it has upgraded the size of the central control screen (Premium version) and the air conditioning system, making the configuration more in line with user needs. When compared to the Toyota Innova in the same segment, the Serena's hybrid system offers lower fuel consumption and more flexible space. Compared to the Honda Odyssey, it is more budget-friendly, offering greater value for money.

This vehicle is suitable for family users who prioritize space, fuel economy, and practicality, especially those with two kids or who frequently travel with the entire family. While it does not feature overly aggressive design or strong power performance, it meets all the needs of daily family travel, making it a balanced and reliable family MPV. If you're looking for an MPV that balances space, fuel efficiency, and features, the 2023 Serena is worth considering.