Nissan Serena

Nissan Serena
2018 Nissan Serena Highway Star S-Hybrid (C27, Hong Kong)
Overview
Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	1991–present
Body and chassis
Class	Minivan
Chronology
Predecessor	Nissan Vanette

The Nissan Serena (Japanese: 日産・セレナ, Nissan Serena) is a minivan manufactured by Nissan, joining the slightly larger Nissan Vanette. The car was engineered by Nissan's Aichi Manufacturing Division and launched in 1991 as compact passenger van, and it grew larger with each generation over the years. Earlier versions were front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a live axle mounted on leaf springs.

Later versions had a multilink independent rear suspension, and were front-wheel drive or 4WD. The most popular version was the 2.3 L diesel engine version and it was unusual in that it had eight seats instead of the expected seven.

It is a "junior" model to the Nissan Elgrand in Japan; its name is from the Latin word "serēnus", meaning "clear, tranquil, pleasant" and offers a minivan approach in comparison to the Nissan Lafesta which is an MPV.

The Serena is designed to comply with Japanese vehicle class, which means its external dimensions are restricted to 4.7 m in length and 1.7 m in width.

First generation (C23; 1991)

First generation
Nissan Serena 1.6i FGX (Indonesia)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Vanette Cargo/E Nissan Vanette Serena LDV Cub Otokar Nissan Largo (Turkey)
Production	1991–2000
Assembly	Japan: Yokosuka, Kanagawa (Oppama Plant) Spain: Barcelona
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door van
Layout	Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.6 L GA16DE I4 2.0 L SR20DE I4 Diesel: 2.0 L CD20 I4 2.0 L CD20T/CD20ET turbo I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,735 mm (107.7 in)
Length	4,355–4,380 mm (171.5–172.4 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,825–1,915 mm (71.9–75.4 in)
Curb weight	1,250–1,610 kg (2,756–3,549 lb) (2WD) 1,610–1,730 kg (3,549–3,814 lb) (4WD)
Chronology
Successor	Nissan Primastar (Europe)

Nissan Serena C23 rear

Models were manufactured in Japan from 1991 onwards, and many were imported into Australasia and the United Kingdom. Nissan produced many different trim levels - FX, SX etc. Full-Auto (full-time) 4WD versions were also produced providing greater stability and better handling. The naturally aspirated 2.3 L diesel was never manufactured for the Japanese market and its seating arrangement and interior fittings are not the same as the 2.0 L petrol (SR20DE), 2.0 L diesel CD20 and turbo-diesel CD20T models manufactured in Japan for the local market. It was exclusive to Japanese Nissan dealerships called Nissan Bluebird Store'.'

Throughout its production the C23 model underwent several facelifts although the interior design and body largely remained unchanged, for example, addition of airbags and bench seats for the second and third rows. Each facelift model can be identified by front grille design which was updated in 1994 and 1997.

In European markets, the C23 Serena had 1.6 or 2.0 L petrols, or 2.3 L diesel engines LD23. Trim levels were LX, SLX, SGX and SGXi. Auto Express once named the Serena as the slowest passenger car in the benchmark 0-60 mph (now 62 mph) test, with the 2.3 L diesel version (added in the mid 1990s) taking 27.8 seconds to reach that speed.

Until around 2002, the standard petrol engine was an SR20DE. A variety of other engines were used over the years, including diesels specifically the CD20 (for the commercial van version), CD20T 1,973 cc Diesel Turbo, and the CD20ET.

Europe

The Nissan Vanette was a series of small vans manufactured in Spain by Nissan alongside the European market Serena models. The van was produced in two versions, the Vanette E, which shared the basic body shell with the Nissan Serena people carrier, differing only in not having rear windows and passenger seats, and the Vanette Cargo, which was longer and had a higher roof line from behind the front seats.

In June 1998, LDV Group entered into an agreement with Nissan, to sell a rebranded version of the Vanette Cargo. This was named the LDV Cub, alongside the Vanette, it was sold in Britain. The model was discontinued in 2001, and replaced by a rebadged version of the Opel Vivaro/Renault Trafic, called the Nissan Primastar, which is produced in Luton, England and Barcelona, Spain.

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  Nissan Vanette Cargo (pre-facelift)
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  Nissan Vanette Cargo (pre-facelift)
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  Nissan Vanette E (facelift)
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  LDV Cub

Reputation

The Nissan Serena Mk1 is said to have an image problem by some, in particular Fifth Gear presenter Quentin Willson, who remarked in a 1997 Top Gear episode that "...the Nissan Serena was about as seductive as a skip and as desirable as an old shoe."

By 2000, the Nissan Serena was described as the worst new car sale on Britain, by Top Gear's Buyers Guide, with "absolutely nothing to recommend it for".

Although the Nissan Serena handles better than most people expect it to (due to its mid-mounted engine), its power-to-weight ratio is particularly poor, as shown by the 0–100 km/h averages listed below. The only models with marginally acceptable acceleration are powered by the SR20DE engine.

Nissan Largo

Largo was the model name used for a Nissan passenger van based on the C23 Serena between 1992 and 1998. Unlike the previous Largo, which was essentially a widened C22 Nissan Vanette, the W30 Largo was a totally rebodied, wider Serena with more equipment such as four-wheel-drive. It was exclusive to Nissan Satio Store locations as a large load carrying vehicle next to the Sunny. The Largo was available with either a 2.4-litre petrol or a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, both mid engined (under the front seats).

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  W30 Nissan Largo (pre-facelift)
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  W30 Nissan Largo Highway Star (facelift)

Second generation (C24; 1999)

Second generation
Overview
Production	1999–2005 (Japan) 2001–2012 (Taiwan) 2001–2012 (Malaysia, Philippines) 2004–2012 (Indonesia) 2007–present (China)
Assembly	Japan: Yokosuka, Kanagawa (Oppama Plant) Indonesia: Purwakarta (Nissan Motor Indonesia) China:Zhengzhou, Henan (Zhengzhou Nissan) Taiwan: Miaoli Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (TCMA) Philippines: Manila (2002–2003) Santa Rosa City (2003–September 2012)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Related	Dongfeng Yumsun ZNA Succe
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L 4A15 I4 2.0 L SR20DE I4 2.0 L QR20DE I4 2.5 L YD25DDTi I4 2.5 L QR25DE I4
Transmission	5-speed manual Hyper CVT 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,695 mm (106.1 in)
Length	4,590 mm (180.7 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,825 mm (71.9 in)
Curb weight	1,580 kg (3,483 lb)

Nissan Serena C24 rear

The second generation Serena was launched in Japan in July 1999. These versions had a facelift with a wider variety of engines and colours. From September 2002 onwards (the time of the facelift) the Serena used the QR20DE and QR25DE. The pre-facelift C24 Serenas all have a 2.0 L engine, with the optional 2.5 L engine becoming available from 2002.

Taiwanese version

In Taiwan a lengthened version of the Serena C24 has been manufactured by Yulon under the Nissan label. The Taiwanese Serena is 141 mm (5.6 in) longer than the original, all behind the C-pillar. The Taiwanese version is still in production (2012) and is only available with the 160 PS (118 kW) 2.5 liter QR25DE engine joined to a 5 speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

Chinese and Southeast Asian versions

Indonesian-market cars use the 2.0 L QR20DE inline-four petrol engine. The trims available in Indonesia are Comfort Touring, Highway Star, and Autech. The Comfort Touring trim-level doesn't come equipped with electric sliding door and reverse camera, while the Highway Star and the Autech do. The C24 Serena was also manufactured by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the People's Republic of China, the Serena Mk. II was restyled, rebadged, and renamed to Dongfeng Succe and is produced by their subsidiary Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile.

Gallery

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  Japanese-market Serena post-facelift
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  Japanese-market Serena post-facelift
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  Japanese-market Serena Highway Star
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  Taiwanese-market Serena pre-facelift
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  Taiwanese-market Serena pre-facelift
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  Taiwanese-market Serena post-facelift
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  Taiwanese-market Serena post-facelift
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  2012 Dongfeng Yumsun pre-facelift
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  2012 Dongfeng ZNA Succe 1.6 pre-facelift
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  Chinese-market Dongfeng Succe post-facelift
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  Chinese-market Dongfeng Succe post-facelift

Third generation (C25; 2005)

Third generation
Overview
Also called	Suzuki Landy
Production	2005–2010
Assembly	Japan: Hiratsuka, Kanagawa (Nissan Shatai)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L MR20DE DI I4
Transmission	Xtronic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,860 mm (112.6 in)
Length	4,650–4,725 mm (183.1–186.0 in)
Width	1,695–1,725 mm (66.7–67.9 in)
Height	1,840–1,850 mm (72.4–72.8 in)
Curb weight	1,610–1,700 kg (3,549–3,748 lb)

Nissan Serena C25 was debuted in Japan in May 2005. This model was only sold in Japan home markets, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei.

In 2007, 2008 and 2009, the Serena C25 was the best selling minivan in Japan.

This model was also sold as the Suzuki Landy in Japan, a practice that is continued with the fourth generation Serena.

The third generation was discontinued in Japan in late 2010 but for export markets continued until 2011.

Gallery

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  Nissan Serena C25 pre-facelift rear
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  Nissan Serena C25 Highway Star pre-facelift
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  Nissan Serena C25 post-facelift
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  Nissan Serena C25 post-facelift
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  Nissan Serena C25 Highway Star post-facelift
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  Nissan Serena C25 Highway Star post-facelift
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  Nissan Serena interior

Fourth generation (C26; 2010)

Fourth generation
Overview
Also called	Suzuki Landy
Production	2010–2016 (Japan) 2012–2018 (Indonesia) 2014–2018 (Malaysia)
Assembly	Japan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Motor Kyushu) Indonesia: Purwakarta (NMI) Malaysia: Serendah (TCMA)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L MR20DD DI I4 (petrol) 2.0 L MR20DD DI I4 (petrol,MHEV; S-Hybrid)
Transmission	Xtronic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,860 mm (112.6 in)
Length	4,685–4,770 mm (184.4–187.8 in)
Width	1,695–1,735 mm (66.7–68.3 in)
Height	1,865–1,875 mm (73.4–73.8 in)
Curb weight	1,600–1,720 kg (3,527–3,792 lb)

The 2011 Nissan Serena was released in late November 2010 to the Japanese market, equipped with a new 2.0-litre MR20DD direct injection inline-four gasoline engine. This model is currently sold in Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia.

In August 2012, Nissan added their newly developed simple hybrid system called Smart Simple Hybrid or S-HYBRID. The Nissan Serena C26 S-HYBRID has its regeneration capacity and output power of the Eco Motor, which is an alternator that is used for Nissan's Serena having an idling stop mechanism and capable of restarting an engine, upgraded. Nissan added a lead sub-battery in the engine room for extended energy regeneration capacity. The Serena has a fuel economy of 15.2 km/L (approx 35.8 mpg) under the JC08 test mode.

In Indonesia, the C26 Serena was locally assembled and went on sale in January 2013. The Autech version of the Highway Star trim was added in September 2013. The facelift version of the C26 Serena was launched on 13 March 2015.

In Malaysia, Tan Chong launched Nissan Serena S-Hybrid in July 2013 being fully imported from Japan and only available in one trim level: Highway Star. In November 2014, the facelift version was launched, being locally assembled in Malaysia and available in two trim levels: Highway Star and Premium Highway Star. In July 2016, Impul versions were made available.

Gallery

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  Nissan Serena C26 pre-facelift rear
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  Nissan Serena Highway Star pre-facelift
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  Nissan Serena Highway Star S-Hybrid pre-facelift
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  Nissan Serena S-Hybrid post-facelift
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  Nissan Serena S-Hybrid post-facelift
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  Nissan Serena Highway Star S-Hybrid post-facelift
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  Nissan Serena Highway Star S-Hybrid post-facelift
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  The Serena S-Hybrid system
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  Nissan Serena interior

Fifth generation (C27; 2016)

Fifth generation
2016 Nissan Serena X (C27; pre-facelift, Hong Kong)
Overview
Also called	Suzuki Landy
Production	2016–present 2018–present (outside Japan)
Assembly	Japan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Motor Kyushu) Malaysia: Serendah (TCMA)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door minivan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	1.2 L HR12DE EFI I3 (e-Power Hybrid) 2.0 L MR20DD DI (MHEV; S-Hybrid)
Electric motor	2x EM57 High Power 96 kW (129 hp), 254 N⋅m (187 lb⋅ft) AC Synchronous electric motor (Serena e-Power)
Transmission	Xtronic CVT
Hybrid drivetrain	Mild hybrid (Serena S-Hybrid) Series hybrid (Serena e-Power)
Battery	1.57 kWh lithium-ion (Serena e-Power)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,860 mm (112.6 in)
Length	4,685–4,770 mm (184.4–187.8 in)
Width	1,695–1,740 mm (66.7–68.5 in)
Height	1,865 mm (73.4 in)
Curb weight	1,710 kg (3,770 lb)

Nissan unveiled the fifth generation Serena on 6 July 2016, and sales began in Japan on 24 August 2016. The all-new Serena received the ProPilot technology, which does lane centering. The system is designed for highway use, and will only be used in single-lane traffic as a means to keep a car between the lines of a lane on the highway. Nissan's system is operational at speeds between 30 km/h (18 mph) and 100 km/h (62 mph), and is designed to hold the vehicle in the middle of a lane by reading markers and controlling steering. Propilot can follow curves, and it automatically controls the distance between the vehicle ahead.

The Serena e-Power went on sale in February 2018. It is powered by the HR12DE straight-three engine combined with a range extender with no plug-in socket.

The C27 Serena debuted in Hong Kong in 2017.

In Malaysia, the C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid was launched on 14 May 2018 as a 7-seater locally assembled MPV and available in two trim levels: Highway Star and Premium Highway Star.

In Singapore, an e-Power powered C27 Nissan Serena was displayed during the 2019 Singapore Motor Show.

In Indonesia, the C27 Serena was launched on 19 February 2019 and is fully imported from Japan.

The C27 Serena received a facelift in Japan on 1 August 2019.

Gallery

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  2016 Nissan Serena X (C27; pre-facelift, Hong Kong)
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  2016 Nissan Serena Highway Star (C27; pre-facelift, Japan)
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  2016 Nissan Serena Highway Star (C27; pre-facelift, Japan)
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  2019 Nissan Serena XV (GFC27; facelift, Japan)
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  2019 Nissan Serena XV (GFC27; facelift, Japan)
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  2019 Nissan Serena Highway Star V (GFC27; facelift, Japan)
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  2019 Nissan Serena Highway Star V (GFC27; facelift, Japan)
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  2019 Nissan Serena e-Power Highway Star V (HFC27; facelift, Hong Kong)
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  Nissan Serena interior

External links

• Media related to Nissan Serena at Wikimedia Commons
• Media related to LDV Cub at Wikimedia Commons