EDARAN Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd recently offered a brief preview drive of the sixth-generation Nissan Serena e-Power (C28), giving motoring media an early look at this mid-sized multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) ahead of its Malaysian debut.
Although the units on hand were production trial models, they still provide a clear indication of what buyers can expect when this seven-seater officially goes on sale towards the end of the first quarter of 2026.
When it arrives, the Serena will be offered in four colours, including a monotone Diamond Black as well as three two-tone options of Turquoise Blue, Brilliant White and Dark Metal Gray which will feature a contrasting black roof.
The new model is built around the theme of “Big, Easy and Fun”, and carries a more modern, futuristic look compared with the outgoing Serena S-Hybrid.
Key exterior elements include a sportier V-Motion grille, tri-projector LED headlights and a redesigned front bumper with air curtains that help manage airflow around the front wheels.
The rear gets revised boomerang-style taillights, LED fog lamps and the familiar split-opening tailgate, while rolling on 16-inch wheels wrapped in 205/65 tyres.
While the previous C27 model used a 2.0-litre S-Hybrid powertrain, where an electric motor provided light assistance to the petrol engine, the new C28 switches to Nissan’s second-generation e-Power system.
The e-Power system is essentially a range-extender setup where the petrol engine acts solely as a generator, and the drive comes purely from the electric motor for the front wheels.
In this case, a 1.4-litre three-cylinder engine (HR14DDe) feeds an EM57 motor that delivers 163PS and 315Nm.
Nissan claims the MPV can achieve up to 1,000km on a full 52-litre tank while a 1.76Wh lithium-ion battery allows for pure Electric Vehicle (EV) driving.
The Serena will be Nissan Malaysia’s second e-Power model after the Kicks, which uses a 1.2-litre engine and a larger 2.06kWh battery to deliver up to 900km of range.
To accommodate the e-Power system, the C28’s front suspension has been redesigned, and the MPV has gained around 40kg compared to its predecessor, likely due to the battery.
On the road, the Serena feels markedly different, with its smooth acceleration having more punch, with better responsiveness and being far more linear than the C27’s CVT-driven setup.
The increase from 150PS and 200Nm to 163PS and 315Nm is immediately noticeable, especially during off-the-line acceleration and mid-range pull.
The cabin is also quieter, with the engine sounding more composed in Eco mode, and while Normal mode provides stronger motor response, Sport mode allows more engine noise to filter through. Activating EV mode keeps the engine silent altogether.
Energy recuperation is supported by a B mode, while the e-Pedal Step system helps bring the vehicle to a gentle stop in traffic and both are accessible via their respective buttons.
The revised suspension seems to provide the C28 with better control over body movement, reducing the float and roll experienced in the previous model and improving overall comfort, especially for passengers prone to motion sickness.
With stronger torque delivery, the Serena now feels better prepared for fully loaded family trips, complete with luggage that's equivalent in size to four standing golf bags.
Safety has also taken a step up with the Serena having Nissan’s 360-degree Safety Shield, which includes Intelligent Predictive Forward Collision Warning with Emergency Braking, a 360-degree camera system with moving object detection, Blind Spot Warning with Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Driver Alertness, High-Beam Assist and Lane Departure Warning with Intervention.
The MPV also features Nissan ProPILOT, which provides Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Lane Intervention and Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention for added confidence on highways, and all three systems will be activated at the press of a button on the multi-function steering wheel.
“The Nissan Serena is a key model in our portfolio, not in sales volume, but as a beacon that truly reflects the Nissan brand and a product that delivers excitement, innovation and value,” said Edaran Tan Chong Motor chief executive officer Khoo Cheng Pah.
“The all-new Serena e-Power advances the strengths of the C27 Serena S-Hybrid with significantly improved performance, refinement and efficiency, offering a smoothness and responsiveness that families will immediately appreciate,” he concluded.
