New Nissan Serena Launched In Japan, Featuring Fresh Design And Improved Safety Features

Nissan has just introduced the new Serena MPV in Japan a couple of days ago, featuring a fresh new look both inside and out, and a variety of new intelligent safety technologies as standard equipment.

On the exterior, the new Serena features Nissan's double V-motion design signature which runs through the updated headlights, framing the Serena's bold chrome grille. The front bumper has also been updated, with sharper accents and an integrated chin spoiler. As for the rear, the taillights and bumper have also been redesigned to look bolder and more futuristic. 

As for the Highway Star models, the front face exudes a more aggressive demeanor, with the V-motion theme starting lower on the updated bumper, resulting in a larger grille with a unique chrome pattern. Exclusive rear taillights and a redesigned rear bumper further complement the Highway Star's new road presence. The e-Power models on the other hand, receive exclusive 16-inch aluminium wheels.

Inside, the interior receives an updated instrument panel design and new seat fabric, depending on vehicle grade. Optional waterproof seat covers offer an extra layer of protection, keeping spills and dirt from staining the fabric.

As for the powertrain, Nissan continues to offer the Serena in two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive configurations. Petrol-powered models come equipped with either the existing 2.0-liter MR20DD engine; or the MR20DD-SM24 powertrain for S-Hybrid models. 

An HR12DE-EM57 e-Power power plant, which includes a small petrol engine that charges a battery pack, is also available for 7-passenger models.  

Offered for the first time in a Nissan, the new Serena debuts the Adaptive LED Headlight System, which automatically detects preceeding and oncoming vehicles through a forward-facing camera and is able to individually deactivate each of the 12 LEDs in the headlight unit, reducing high beam brightness in targeted areas ahead.

Other tech features of the new Serena include Intelligent Rearview Mirror, one touch auto-slide door, a third row auto slide switch to make ingress and egress easier, and hands-free auto sliding doors that can be activated by a wave of the foot under the side door.

Where safety is concerned, the new Serena features Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, as well as Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication as standard. The MPV also comes with the latest version of Nissan’s ProPILOT autonomous driving technology.

While the ProPilot system’s speed control has been optimized for smoother braking and a more comfortable drive, the system is now able to maintain the driver’s set speed even on inclined roadways, and balance the powertrain output when returning to flatter road surfaces.

As for the Malaysian market, the new Serena is expected to arrive some time next year. There has not been any official indication on which variant will be offered here but our guess is that it will be the S-Hybrid. 

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