MPVs seem to be back in trend, a thankful reprise from the SUV onslaught that has dominated the automotive market in recent years.

Let’s face it, an MPV is just better when it comes to hauling around a large family, and the Nissan Serena proves you can do it both in style and efficiency.

The Nissan Serena tries its best to hide its rear minivan bulk, with a sloping front end that breaks away the otherwise tall roofline. It’s a straightforward, functional aesthetic that keeps it in trend without worrying if someone would complain that they’re driving around in a metal box.

The latest model sports a more understated approach to the ‘V-Motion’ grille. Black and horizontal lines dominate, steering clear of the flashy chrome that once adorned its predecessor.

This MPV might not fit the traditional definition of ‘sexy’, but it exudes a sleekness that’s rare in its category, and doesn’t compromise on the essentials that matter: space, comfort, and efficiency.

Venture inside and you’ll discover a sanctuary of space. The Serena is frankly cavernous, designed for the comfort of every passenger, from the driver to the rearmost rider.

The absence of a sunroof is a shame, but its absence does not dampen the airy and expansive feel inside, thanks to generously sized windows that cocoon you in tranquillity.

This higher Prestige 7-seater configuration is particularly delightful, with the middle-row captain’s chairs sliding out of the way easily to craft 3rd-row pathways. Frankly, you don’t even need to shift these chairs forward to allow ingress for 3rd-row occupants.

My main gripe with the interior is the rather tall position of the driver’s seat. There just wasn’t a natural position for my leg to feel comfortable, and it almost felt that I had to sit properly upright in order to maximise driving comfort.

What really sets the latest Serena apart is its refined cabin architecture. You used to get a bunch of useful cubby compartments in the old model; utilitarian, but otherwise mundane.

With the new model, Nissan has revamped the dashboard, integrating digital screens with just the right amount of physical buttons.

A pair of large screens dominate your immediate view, with a clever mix of haptic panels and physical knobs that allow for intuitive air conditioning control.

Quality isn’t bad either, and you are nicely covered in Nappa leather around the cabin, albeit with the inevitable intrusion of practical plastics closer to the floor.

This biggest party trick the Serena offers is its innovative dual-tailgate system, a standout feature that proves invaluable in cramped urban car parks, allowing access to the boot without the need to swing open the entire gate.

The Nissan Serena is rather unique in its class drivetrain-wise. While you usually see hybrid systems in modern MPVs, the Serena’s e-POWER setup gives it EV-like advantages, while still being able to fill up with petrol.

If you aren’t familiar, the engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly. Instead, it charges the battery that powers the electric motor, making the Serena effectively electric in propulsion.

The new 1.4-litre engine that replaces the older 1.2-litre model offers quicker battery charging and greater overall refinement. The electric motor itself has received a boost too, now delivering an extra 29bhp over its predecessor, which translates to a more robust 161bhp and 315Nm of torque.

This combination enables the car to get off the line with surprising nimbleness, something that belies its boxy silhouette.

Navigating the Serena feels intuitive thanks to the aforementioned elevated driving position and a suspension system that absorbs bumps with grace. Visibility is panoramic, and steering, while light, gains a satisfying weight as you pick up speed.

It’s equipped to handle the rigours of family life, with safety features like Intelligent Cruise Control and Blind Spot Assist adding layers of comfort and security to the drive.

One might think a vehicle of this size would be a challenge to handle, but its comparatively narrow body and short bonnet make it easy to manoeuvre. Plus, Nissan has significantly dialled down the engine drone (a common critique of the past model), ensuring a serene ride even at high engine loads.

Now, onto the perennial question of fuel efficiency. After a robust test run with a funny posse of passengers in tow, the Serena shows off with about 16.2km/litre. That’s pretty decent for a hefty 7-seater; It might not be the top of its class in this regard, but it holds its own.

Now, MPVs might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who value the practicality they offer, the Serena e-POWER presents a compelling case. This latest iteration has been significantly refined from its predecessors, offering a more polished ride, enhanced with all the trappings of a modern family hauler.

And yes, while there are other players in the field, the Serena holds its own with a unique proposition – at least for now.

The sum of its parts makes it a contender worth considering for those needing a dependable, versatile family car.

Technical Specifications

Nissan Serena e-POWER Hybrid

Engine: 1,433cc 3-cylinder in-line DOHC
Powertrain: 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 (All with COE, accurate at the time of this article)

• S$209,800 (Premium 8-Seater)
• S$212,800 (Prestige 7-Seater Single Tone)
• S$214,800 (Prestige 7-Seater Dual Tone)

Contact: Nissan Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven) 

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In the bustling streets of Singapore, compact cars have always been well-received by the public. These pint-sized powerhouses are a hit among local drivers, offering the agility needed to navigate our compact urban sprawl with ease.

Within this fiercely contested segment, Nissan throws its hat in the ring with the Nissan Note e-POWER, eager to carve out its share of the market pie.

Embodying Nissan’s latest design ethos: “Timeless Japanese Futurism.”, it has just gone through a facelift, arriving fresh on our shores with new looks.

Nissan believes this philosophy sets the Note apart in a sea of hatchbacks, giving it a unique edge in a competitive landscape.

Compact Charm

The Nissan Note has certainly grown up from its earlier, more diminutive versions. The latest iteration sports a bolder, bulkier physique.

The Note’s new front fascia is much sleeker too, with its clean lines and uncluttered look.

The angular LED headlamps give it a distinctly aggressive look. Contrasting this fierceness, however, are arguably the smallest fog lights you’ve seen on any vehicle – adorable yet surprisingly effective at slicing through poor visibility.

The design is rounded off with a neatly styled rear diffuser and a black-accented spoiler, enhancing the car’s handsome profile. New bumpers are also colour-coded, giving the car a cleaner aesthetic.

In terms of aesthetics, the facelifted Note rolls out on stylish new 16-inch alloy wheels, though traditional steelies with hubcaps remain an option for the more conservative buyer.

Fresh colour options are also available; 10 in total, Nissan isn’t holding back. There’s something for everyone in this new palette. 

Bang For Your Buck

Nothing much has changed on the inside of the Nissan Note; it’s still the professional and premium aesthetic you know and love.

The first touchpoint that catches your eye is the Nappa leather that swathes the seats, extends to the door sills, and wraps the steering wheel, creating a tactile experience that rivals premium competitors like BMW.

Dubbed the “Zero Gravity Seats” by Nissan, these seats live up to their name, offering great comfort on long journeys.

While the front of the cabin boasts such luxurious touches, the rear seats maintain the premium feel with the same fine leather.

Accessibility is a key feature here, with all four doors opening to nearly 90 degrees, making ingress hassle-free for all passengers. However, the legroom might feel a tad cramped for taller passengers due to slightly shorter seats. Regrettably, the rear still doesn’t pamper passengers with charging ports, climate controls, or aircon vents.

Driving is managed by a D-shaped steering wheel that houses multifunction controls, enabling the driver to manage settings, audio, and phone calls with ease. Cruise control remains absent in this facelift.

One unique feature in the Note’s cabin is its futuristic gear selector lever. It’s slick, feels intuitive like a computer mouse, and shifts through gears smoothly. Nearby, a switch allows for seamless toggling between driving modes, as well as features like auto hold and EV mode.

The absence of a traditional transmission has allowed for a clever redesign of the centre console, providing a substantial storage area beneath the gear selector.

The same 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system is around, compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While these connections aren’t wireless, they work flawlessly with a charging cable, ensuring a stable link to all your smart devices.

Driver information is crisply displayed on a 7-inch Digital TFT Instrument cluster, which cleverly integrates traditional and modern display elements to show various driver aids and system statuses.

The practicality of the Note is not just skin deep. It boasts a spacious 340-litre boot, ready to handle the daily demands of life.

The wide aperture of the boot makes loading a breeze – an undeniable advantage in the compact car category.

Mighty Mouse

The Nissan Note e-POWER has proven itself that its new powertrain is simply fantastic.

For those not yet acquainted with the e-POWER setup, imagine it as an electric vehicle (EV) that’s escorted by an onboard generator. The 1.2-litre petrol engine doesn’t propel the car directly but acts as a dynamo, generating electricity that’s stored in the battery.

This stored energy then powers the electric motor that drives the wheels. Unlike hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, the Note’s wheels are exclusively turned by electric power, sidestepping direct mechanical engagement from the engine.

This arrangement allows the Note e-POWER to punch above its weight class. Despite a modest horsepower of 114 bhp, the torque figure – a robust 280Nm – speaks volumes about its underlying muscle.

The e-POWER drivetrain endows the Nissan Note with an almost instantaneous thrust akin to EVs, which is quite delightful. The Note responds with a zest that belies its compact dimensions, making overtaking and merging on roads feel effortlessly assertive.

Steering is light, adding to the ease with which the Note can tackle sharp turns, akin to a lively puppy eager to dash at every chance. Particularly noteworthy is Nissan’s One Pedal drive, which allows regenerative braking while decelerating.

EV mode is available too, albeit with a limitation: it only kicks in under ECO, provided the battery is sufficiently charged. But with a mere range of 3-5km, it’s more of a novelty than a practical feature.

However, the system isn’t without its quirks. Under full throttle, the engine can sound strained and noisy as it works overtime to charge the battery – a minor gripe only noticeable during spirited driving.

Most of our time testing the Note was spent in ECO mode, which felt more than adequate for everyday driving. There’s seldom a need to switch modes for an extra burst of speed.

Fuel efficiency is another strong point for the Note. Even with dynamic driving, we achieved 15.7km/litre. Nissan suggests that up to 21.7 km/litre is possible, though a more realistic expectation with conscientious driving would hover around 18-19km/litre.

The Note’s commitment to safety and convenience is evident in its suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies. Features like Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Emergency Braking work diligently to prevent would-be accidents. 

All in all, the Nissan Note e-POWER is a testament to how traditional driving norms can be enhanced with clever engineering.

Improving On What Is Already Great

The Nissan Note e-POWER marries the pragmatic virtues of a fuel-sipper with the vivacious spirit of a sporty hatchback, transforming from one to the other with just a spirited press on the accelerator. It’s particularly well-suited for new drivers or those seeking a no-fuss, enjoyable ride.

Now that Nissan specs all new Notes with the good stuff from the Premium model of the past as standard (Nappa leather, alloy rims, battery warranty, etc), it gives even more reason to sign on the dotted line.

Nissan has been on an upward trajectory in recent years (just look at the e-POWER X-Trail), and the Note e-POWER is a testament to this progress. 

With its dual personality, the Nissan Note e-POWER ensures that whether you’re cruising for efficiency or darting through traffic with zest, you’re in for a ride that’s as rewarding as it is reliable.

Technical Specifications

Nissan Note e-POWER

Engine: 1,198cc 3-cylinder in-line 12-valve DOHC
Power: 114bhp (Combined)
Torque: 280Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed Reduction Gear (A)
Trunk Capacity: 340 Litres
Fuel Tank Capacity: 36 Litres
Fuel Economy: 24.4 km/L (claimed)

Price: S$149,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Nissan Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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This is the 4th iteration of Nissan’s flagship SUV, if you can believe it. It started off back in 2001 as a cheap and chunky pseudo 4×4, a contender in the vanguard of ‘soft-roaders’ that included big players like the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander. 

Like those two examples, the X-Trail has subtly poshed-up and polished out its rough edges over the years. With seven seats and more fuel-sipping technology thanks to Nissan’s quirky e-POWER powertrain, is that enough to give it the edge over its fierce SUV competition?

Sleek and refined 

The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER’s facade is trying to ape the success of its smaller Qashqai sibling. It might not be as popular as the brand’s small SUV king, but it offers more of the same perks in a larger and more practical package. Much like the Nintendo GameCube to the Gameboy.

The looks of the X-Trail are rather pleasing as a whole, with a sleek Macintosh-esque guise juxtaposing against rugged cladding around the wheels and bumpers. It’s lost some of its original brash demeanour, but it exchanges it for more upmarket appeal.

Creature comforts aplenty

Unlike other models in the Nissan range, the X-trail e-POWER only comes with one variant, meaning everything in the cabin is standard. Nappa leather, large screens, sunroof, the lot.

You really do get quite a bit for your chunk of change, and while Nissan may not be the last word in style, it’s done a pretty good job with the X-Trail. There are simple lines, with chrome effect detailing around to highlight different portions of the cabin.

Yes, there’s quite a bit of piano black plastic, which can get smudged and covered in fingerprints pretty quickly. But there are tons of cubby holes dotted around, perfect to stow away that microfibre cloth. 

This tan leather helps brighten up the interior, with the full-length sunroof flooding sunlight in to make the cabin feel even more open. The other trim option is black, which is less likely to show up grime but doesn’t look as nice. 

Although there are scratchy plastics to be found, especially lower down the cabin, the overall quality is pretty good and it all feels solid.

The infotainment system is also pretty robust, with twin 12.3-inch displays dominating your immediate vicinity. The centre touchscreen is smooth and simple to navigate, and a head-up display is included as well, bestowing you with all the information you’ll need at your disposal. 

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, and the wireless charging pad is angled, keeping your smartphone snug and secure even in the twisties. For those banging tunes, a Bose speaker system is on hand to deliver crisp beats.

Family oriented

Despite being based on the same mechanical bits as the Qashqai, the X-Trail e-POWER feels significantly bigger inside and easier to live with. You can easily find a comfortable driving position, with lots of adjustment leeway on offer.

Behind the front chairs, rear passengers will find a good amount of space. On this e4orce model, the second motor is mounted below the second row, meaning there’s a solid bulk that your feet are in front of. But, with no traditional gearbox to worry about, there’s no transmission tunnel. 

That means more legroom for even with three across the back, and you can get your feet under the front seats for extra space. The tall boxy SUV stature also translates to great headroom all around.

Where it’s not recommended as somewhere to sit for long journeys though is in the optional third row. Even though you can slide the middle row forwards to allow for more knee and legroom, it’s still only adequate for young children. 

Without the rearmost seats in use, the X-Trail has a decent 485-litre boot and a flat floor. It’s not the biggest in class, but it’s decent enough for the weekly shop and some additional family gear in tow.

Brisk yet frugal

Don’t be fooled by its large size; the Nissan X-Trail e-POWER only has a (relatively) tiny 1.5-litre engine under the hood. Seems small, doesn’t it? But that’s all it really needs.

If you’re unaware, Nissan’s e-POWER technology enables their cars to run exclusively on electrical power, unlike other hybrid vehicles. Electrical motors drive all four wheels, and the engine is only there acting as a generator of sorts, with fancy tech that enables it to vary its compression ratio to burn petrol more efficiently at different loads.

Technical jargon aside, engines are most efficient if they are able to run at constant revs. In start-stop traffic situations, which is a given in cityscapes like Singapore, an engine is constantly worked up and down as the car accelerates and stops, impacting overall efficiency. This is where e-POWER shines. Because the engine is constantly able to run in its most efficient setting, it uses far less fuel than it would if it were a conventional internal combustion (ICE) setup.

The result? Robust fuel efficiency numbers, with the added bonus of instant electrical torque and speedy acceleration, without ever needing to plug the car in.

Our resident fuel economy tester took the X-Trail out for a spin, and over the course of over 700km he managed to clock the X-Trail with an average efficiency of 17.7km/litre. That thoroughly trumps Nissan’s own figures, which were quoted at 14.9km/litre.

On his standardised long-distance route which mixes in both street and highway elements, the X-Trail walks away confidently with 19.4km/litre noted on the trip display. If that doesn’t convince you that this car is insanely fuel efficient considering its size, then I highly suggest you head down to the showroom to have a go. Your mileage may vary, but I’m confident you’ll be impressed.

The X-Trail also takes things to the next level. Other e-POWER vehicles like the Kicks e-POWER, Note e-POWER and Serena e-POWER all rely on a single front motor. But, the X-Trail is Nissan’s first-ever ‘all-wheel-drive’ e-Power model, meaning it has a pair of these puppies instead. 

Even with a modest 157kw (211bhp) of power and 330Nm of torque, the X-Trail is rather accomplished on urban roads. With more refined suspension than the previous version, this new X-Trail is very comfortable in town, soaking up bumps impressively.

The e-POWER setup is also very quiet. You can sometimes hear the petrol engine tick into life to charge the battery up, but sounds from that department are greatly subdued. Plus, with instant torque delivery from the electric motors, you can get up to speed pretty sharpish and pull into traffic with ease.

Visibility is decent too, with a large rear window and chunky wing mirrors providing good all round coverage. Add into the equation light steering, and the X-Trail is a doddle to manoeuvre on city roads, even with its large road presence. 360-cameras and standard-fit parking sensors make parking a breeze too. 

However, being a family-oriented SUV, this X-Trail is not as capable when thrown at speed into a corner. Sport mode does sharpen the throttle response and adds extra weight to the steering, but it’s not necessary nor that focused. 

Off the beaten track and on looser surfaces, the X-Trail isn’t going to blow you away, but it does cope well. Engaging the various off-road modes in the drive selector does provide you with confidence to take on a loose gravel road, but don’t expect it to go completely off-piste as well as the likes of Land and Rover.

For families, long-distance driving can sometimes be difficult if the car isn’t up to the task. But the X-Trail manages to be a great car to cruise in and features like intelligent cruise control fitted as standard help to take some of the strain out of longer journeys. 

Stepping up the game

It’s a damn good package, but the biggest Achilles heel of the Nissan X-Trail e-POWER is its price. Yes, most of it is due to the astronomical COE prices our country has become world-famous for, but even so, this car still sits pretty at a quarter of a million (SGD$250,000 at the time of writing). That’s a huge chunk of change.

“But if I can justify the cost, is it worth it?” Absolutely. The X-trail is a masterpiece in engineering, edging out its rivals with its good looks and nifty technology. 

Seven-seaters by their nature are expensive to run, so anyone in the market for one will be grateful for the added ‘eco boost’ from the e-POWER set-up. This segment is as crowded as they come, and the X-Trail elevates your perception of what an SUV can be, showing its competitors how it’s done. 

Technical Specifications

Nissan X-Trail e-POWER e-4ORCE Hybrid
Engine: 1,497cc 3-cylinder in-line 12-valve DOHC Turbocharged
Power: 211bhp (Combined)
Torque: 330Nm (Front), 195Nm (Rear)
Gearbox: Single Speed Reduction Gear (A)
0-100km/h: 7.9 seconds
Top Speed: 180km/h
Fuel Economy: 14.93 km/L (claimed)
Price: S$255,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Nissan Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven) 

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

And there are lots of reasons to like this new model. The latest Nissan X-Trail comes with upgraded features, advanced technologies, and improved performance.

Electrified generator

For those who are not familiar with the e-POWER platform, the petrol engine serves as a generator to produce electricity, while electric motors power the car. 

The Nissan X-Trail is also the first e-POWER model to come with the new e-4ORCE system, an all-wheel-control system with twin electric motors that deliver massive torque, stability, and agility. It also provides optimal traction, minimises wheel slippage, and enables smooth starting and driving even in slippery conditions.

One pedal driving, or e-Pedal in Nissan speak, is one new creature comfort feature in the new X-Trail, transforming the accelerator pedal into both an accelerator and a brake. This way, you don’t have to shuffle your leg during traffic jams.

As with most new cars on the market today, the Nissan X-Trail comes with advanced safety technologies that provide the driver with confidence, security, and peace of mind on the road. For instance, the intelligent forward collision warning system detects potential obstacles on the road and alerts the driver in advance to prevent accidents.

Elevated cabin

Screens galore in the cabin of the all-new X-Trail e-POWER, with three large interior display screens – a 12.3-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, a 12.3-inch NissanConnect navigation system, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

The interior is fully decked out in black premium leather upholstery, and an option is available to upgrade to amber-coloured Nappa leather. If we reference other Nissan e-POWER models, the Nappa leather is an item that customers should really get. It’s that good.

Modern, muscular styling

The exterior styling of the new 4th-gen X-Trail has been styled very much in line with Nissan’s current design language, with elements such as the floating two-tone roof, V-motion grille, and blockier proportions all resulting in a more imposing road presence compared to its predecessor. As seen on the Qashqai unveiled earlier this year, the headlight cluster on the X-trail appears to be moulded within the bodywork. At the rear, split taillights allow for a wider trunk opening. 

The new X-Trail will be available in 10 body colours with 5 two-tone combinations, a welcome sight that gives customers more to choose from, instead of the usual monochromatic colour palette a lot of modern cars tend to offer.

Interested?

The Nissan X-Trail e-POWER is now available for test drives and bookings, with a retail price starting from $254,800 (accurate at the time of this article).

Early bird specials include complimentary ceramic coating, 12 months of free road tax, $1,000 worth of petrol vouchers, a special trade-in booster of up to $33,000, and up to 50,000km of free servicing.

Interested buyers can visit the Nissan showrooms or this highlighted text to learn more about the car and its features.

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