2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid

2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Review

One of the original MPVs or OG MPVs that set the standard for all MPVs in Malaysia is the Nissan Serena.

The facelifted version of the C27 generation Nissan Serena was introduced in Malaysia on July 6, 2022. It has been updated with more premium styling and enhanced safety features. 

The facelift model replaces the 5th Gen C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid introduced in 2018. The 5th Gen Serena had a tough act to follow as the locally assembled C26 Serena S-Hybrid was the best-selling non-national mid-size MPV in its segment. 

But thanks to its new "V Motion" front facia and Nissan Intelligent Mobility features that gave drivers access to features such as a 360-degree camera, the C27 Serena continued to be the best-selling non-national mid-size MPV up until 2021. 

The bulk of the updates for the 2022 facelift Serena comprises of its safety features, exterior looks, and infotainment system. This is Nissan's way of making the Serena feel current while giving it extra features which will please its target market.  

2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Specifications

Firepower still comes in the tried and tested 2.0-litre Twin CVTC hybrid drivetrain with Energy Control Motor (ECO) for improved performance as well as fuel efficiency. 

This power unit for the Nissan Serena produces 150PS at 6,000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 4,400rpm with a fuel consumption rate of 14.2km/l (NEDC).

Exterior of the 2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid

While retaining the elegant presence of its design, there's a refreshed look to the 2022 Serena, thanks mainly to the inclusion of the 'Majestic Chrome Nissan V-motion front grille', which stretches from the headlight area all the way down to the centre intake. 

There are also redesigned headlamps featuring dual projector LED lamps and positioning lights at the brow. In addition, the rear bumper has been given the glossy black finish treatment for a classy touch. The rear lights have also been refreshed, featuring a set of curvaceous taillights that help make the car look wider. The newly designed rear LED tail lights also add a clear identifier to the latest Serena.

The Serena's dual-opening tailgate marches on in the facelifted vehicle as it is one of its best features. Many Serena owners appreciate the large opening of the tailgate as well as the relatively low loading height but sometimes prefer to use the glass hatch opening for smaller items.

The Premium Highway Star can be had in Dark Metal Grey, Brilliant White, Radiant Red and Diamond Black while the Highway Star can be had in Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver and Diamond Black

Interior of the 2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid

To complement the premium look of the exterior, Nissan has also beefed up the interior, starting with a new wheelhouse sound-absorbing liner, which has helped make the cabin quieter. The liner helps suppress NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) levels to deliver a quieter, more serene experience for all passengers.

The premium touches inside the Serena continue through the addition of Premium Nappa quilted leather seats, which is a first for the Serena. This adds a sense of luxury to the interior, especially when they wrap those excellent Nissan Zero Gravity seats inside the cabin. With this combo, you now get premium seats to go along with that trademark Serena interior, which has always had an airy feel to it.

The biggest update where the interior is concerned is the bump up in screen size for the infotainment system, going from 6.75-inch to 9-inches. Now you can view the 360-degree camera system with Moving Object Detection (MOD) system through a bigger screen. The entertainment monitor for rear passengers has also increased in size, moving from a 10-inch unit to an 11.6-inch unit. This will surely keep the kids happier as they can watch their favourite cartoons on a bigger screen.

For those who prefer to be entertained via your own smart devices, the Serena can help keep your battery charged no matter which seat you are sitting in as there are seven USB ports strategically placed around the cabin.

While the bump in screen size will surely keep the family happy, the hands-free power-sliding doors will surely come in handy for anyone that wants to enter the Serena. The powered sliding doors on the Serena can be opened by just placing a foot under the side of the vehicle. This is another feature on the Serena that is well thought out as the hands-free feature will undoubtedly be appreciated when your hands are full as you can use your foot to open either sliding door.

2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Safety Features

One of the most significant updates to the Serena is its list of safety gear regardless of variants. All 2022 Serenas now come with Nissan's SMART 360° SAFETY SHIELD, which includes safety features such as:

• Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning
• Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• Around View Monitor (360 view camera)
• Moving Object Detection Warning
• Driver Attention Alert
• Six airbags
• ABS, EBD, BA, TCS and vehicle dynamic control

2022 Nissan S-Hybrid Pros and Cons

Nissan's SMART 360° SAFETY SHIELD is a comprehensive safety system package that makes you feel more confident and safe every time you get behind the Serena. This to a family person, is probably the most important feature in a car.

No matter where you go, you'll be backed up by a set of advanced technological assistance systems, which helps keep you safe without interfering with the pleasures of exploring the open road.

Everything from its Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning and forward emergency braking to driver attention alert safety system aims to help you avoid collisions and reduce the stresses associated with driving.

The sore point of the Serena is still its underwhelming engine which needs to be worked hard to get the MPV up to quick speeds. However, most Serena buyers will not find this to be a problem, as they appreciate the fuel-saving properties of the powertrain. 

2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Price In Malaysia

Technically, there's only one variant of the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid (2.0L Highway Star). The other model Nissan offers is the 2.0L Highway Star with a premium package which adds on things such as larger wheels, LED room lamp, and a rear roof-mounted monitor. 

Nonetheless, ETCM, the official distributor of Nissan in Malaysia, have published two prices.

-2.0L Highway Star - RM149,888

-2.0L Premium Highway Star Package - RM162,888

All 2022 Nissan Serena's come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Key Features of the 2022 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid

Everything from its dual-opening tailgate and hands-free power-sliding doors has been thought out well, which in turn will provide families with the best MPV experience possible. 

Most importantly, however, the Nissan Serena is now safer and more aware of hazards than ever before - and this to its target market is probably one of the best reasons to get behind the wheel of the Serena.