2018 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star CKD Review

If you always order or buy something online or just the of the shelve it always comes in a square box. That is because a box is the best way to transport things. Same thing with people. The best way to transport large amount of people is in a square box which in this case is the minivan. But let us be completely honest here. Do you really want to be seen driving or owning one? Your answer might be yes if happens to one of those prestigious Toyota Alphard or Vellfire. But then again those are more of status symbol than a people carrier. Then there are the Hyundai Grand Starex Royale and Kia Grand Carnival, despite those names implies are just slightly more comfortable commercial van with their 11 seats configuration. How about this Nissan Serena S-Hybrid then? Because in some angle it does look rather prestigious especially in the top of the range Premium Highway Star J Impul variant but cost nearly half of what a new Alphard or Velfire. Let’s dive deeper into this rather unique large minivan proposition.

The Nissan Serena Hybrid is the best-selling people carrier in Japan. Its no surprise really with its tall and narrow body design with an overall exterior design that is unmistakably JDM feeling. Up front there is a prominent V-motion grill and a rather stylish twin headlamp design that looks like it is mimicking the Toyota Vellfire. The best thing about those headlights is that LED projector and auto levelling are standard equipment. Moving towards the side it does look rather slap sided and large mostly to the massive size of the Serena. But the designers do try to keep things interesting with some character lines and the floating style roof. Even better with higher variants where you get a cool 2 tone colour finish. Finishing things of in the rear nice looking “S-shape” style tail lamp and a clever split folding divider tailgate. There is also an integrated spoiler as well.

Moving inside is what pretty much the main function or as they say where all your money is paying for. On all variants there are a total of 7 adult worthy seats. The dashboard feature leather wrapped flat bottom steering wheel and a digital 7-inch advance driver display and speedometer. Kind of sporty for a minivan if you ask me. There is also plenty amount storage compartment bins all around the cabin. There is a total of 14 cup holders and 7 usb charging port as well. Something that cannot be said in the new Alphard or Vellfire, trust me. Pretty much every single row passenger is greeted to excellent head, shoulder and leg room. The front seats feature the famous Nasa inspired Zero gravity seats and they are comfortable. The middle row passengers get captain style chairs than can slide, recline and have dual fold down arm rest on both sides. There is also handy tray table located behind the front passenger seats. Finally, the row of seats also feature slide and recline function. As a bonus second and third row passengers get their own air con vents mounted on the roof.

There isn’t much differentiating the Serana variant in term of features and equipment. The base model Highway Star standard equipment list include hands free dual power sliding side doors, a Clarion 6.75-inch touch screen infotainment system with Apple Carplay & Android Auto, dual zone automatic climate control, start stop system, keyless entry with push start button, cruise control, a 360 degree around view monitor, 15 inch alloy wheels, rear sunshades and fabric seats. Standard safety features include 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mount, hill start assist, stability control, traction control and ABS with EBD. Moving up to the Premium Highway Star variants gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, 10-inch roof mounted entertainment screen, leather upholstery with the option of black or brown, door visors and LED cabin lamp. The most expensive variant Premium Highway Star J Impul Variant further adds on front and rear lip, 18-inch wheels and diamond quilted mocha brown leather seat.

No matter what variant you choose though all Serena is powered by a 2.0L Dohc twin CVTC 4-cylinder petrol engine mated to cvt and power is sent to the front wheels. The Hybrid system comes in a form of ECO Motor with an Electronic power generator with a secondary battery. This system is just a mild Hybrid system that assist the engine during initial acceleration from stop and to power most of the car on board electronics. Total maximum power output is rated at 150 PS and 200 Nm of torque. From behind the wheel those numbers are not something to brag about. But that assist from the electric motor do give the Serena and instant acceleration feeling that help to make the car feel somewhat lighter than what it is. Cabin insulation as well as ride and handling are just decent at most. This is just a minivan after to carry your family around safely. The steering wheel do give some feel and is pleasantly light at lower speed making the Serena less intimidating to drive in low urban situation. The CVT will get dronie under full throttle but is never to the point of overbearing.

Prices in east Malaysia for the Nissan Serena Hybrid Highway Star CKD (Complete Knock Down) starts at RM130,024.00 while moving to the higher Premium Highway Star variant will cost you RM140,024.00. The highest Premium Highway Star J Impul variant will add on another RM6000 to that price list. Colours for the Serena are different on the lower and higher variant. Lower Serena comes in with either Cashmere Gold, Tungsten Silver, Brilliant White and Diamond Black. The higher variant comes with 2 tone colour option with the Brilliant White and Tungsten Silver getting the Diamond Black upper colour tone. The Cashmere Gold is match to Imperial Umber. There is also a special Premium Highway Star exclusive Imperial Red colour match to the upper tone of Imperial Black. Lastly the Imperial Black full colour can also be had on the upper variants. All Nissan Serena S Hybrid comes with a 5 years unlimited mileage warranty.

Pictures and words by Afiq Bazli Bin Busairi.