The Nissan Serena e-POWER is proof sensibleness and practicality go a long way in a nicely designed family car.
In a generation where SUVs have bulldozed their way into almost every parking space, the humble MPV is now enjoying something of a renaissance.
Quite right, too. Because when it comes to ferrying a full household across town, groceries and all, nothing does the job with greater dignity than a well-designed people carrier.
Form Follows Function
From the outside, Nissan has done what it can to soften the inherent boxiness of an MPV. The front end slopes gently forward, visually breaking up the tall roofline, while the latest interpretation of the brand’s ‘V-Motion’ grille is far more restrained than before.
Step inside and the Serena reveals its true strengths. Space is the headline act here, and it delivers in spades. The cabin is expansive, airy and thoughtfully arranged, designed to ensure that every occupant, from driver to third-row passenger, travels in comfort.
The absence of a sunroof is perhaps a minor disappointment, though it hardly diminishes the sense of openness. Large windows flood the cabin with light, creating a calm, almost lounge-like atmosphere that suits the car’s family-first mission.
In this new eight-seat configuration, the middle-row has a foldaway seat that doubles as an armrest or extra storage. It slides out of the way, allowing access to the third row. However, it does not sit flush with the front row when folded, leaving an awkward protrusion in the middle aisle.
Otherwise, the interior is a marked improvement over the previous model. Where the old Serena leaned heavily into utilitarian cubbyholes and straightforward practicality, the new dashboard feels far more refined. Twin digital displays dominate the view ahead, complemented by a sensible mix of physical buttons and haptic controls.
Air-conditioning adjustments, for instance, are refreshingly intuitive. Material quality is respectable too, though durable plastics still occupy the lower reaches of the cabin, as one would expect in a family workhorse.
The Serena’s party trick is its dual-tailgate system. In tight urban car parks, where space is measured in centimetres rather than metres, the ability to open just the upper portion of the boot is invaluable. It is one of those features you never knew you needed until you do.
An Electric Feel, Without the Charging Anxiety
What truly distinguishes the Serena from many rivals is its drivetrain. While hybrid MPVs are hardly new, Nissan’s e-POWER system operates differently. Here, the petrol engine does not drive the wheels at all. Instead, it acts as a generator, charging the battery that powers the electric motor.
In effect, the Serena drives like an electric vehicle while retaining the convenience of petrol refuelling. For families not quite ready to commit to a full EV, it is an elegant compromise.
This model runs on a 1.4-litre engine. Meanwhile, the electric motor has gained an additional 29bhp, now producing 161bhp and 315Nm of torque.
The result is a surprisingly brisk getaway from traffic lights. For a vehicle of this size and silhouette, the Serena feels notably eager off the line.
On the Move
Driving the Serena is a relaxed, intuitive affair. The elevated seating position offers commanding visibility, while the suspension does an admirable job of ironing out imperfections in the road. Steering is light at low speeds, ideal for navigating car parks and narrow streets, but gains reassuring weight as speeds rise.
Despite its size, the Serena is not unwieldy. Its relatively narrow body and short bonnet make manoeuvring easier than expected, and Nissan has made significant strides in reducing the engine drone that plagued earlier models. Even under heavier loads, the cabin remains commendably serene.
Safety technology is comprehensive, with features such as Intelligent Cruise Control and Blind Spot Assist providing an extra layer of reassurance for family duties. It is not a car that encourages spirited driving, but it is one that inspires confidence, and that is more important in this segment.
Over the course of testing with a full complement of passengers, the Serena returned around 17.3km/litre. For a sizeable seven-seater, that is more than acceptable.
A Sensible Choice in a Loud World
MPVs may never again dominate the market in the way they once did, but for those who value practicality above all else, they remain the most logical choice. The Nissan Serena e-POWER stands as a compelling example of why.
It is refined, spacious and thoughtfully engineered. It embraces electrification in a way that enhances daily usability rather than complicating it. And while it may not shout for attention, it quietly excels at the very things families care about most.
Technical Specifications
Nissan Serena e-POWER Hybrid (Smart 8)
Engine: 1,433cc 3-cylinder in-line DOHC, Front Wheel Drive
Power: 161bhp (Combined)
Torque: 315Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed Reduction Gear (A)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 52 Litres
Fuel Economy: 20.4 km/L (claimed)
Price: $219,776
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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