The Nissan Serena (Japanese: 日産・セレナ, Hepburn: Nissan Serena) is a minivan manufactured by Nissan, joining the slightly larger Vanette. The car was engineered by Nissan's Aichi Manufacturing Division and launched in 1991 as a 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, while the following generations are front-wheel drive or 4WD.

Quick Facts Overview, Manufacturer ...
Nissan Serena
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2018 Nissan Serena Highway Star S-Hybrid (C27, Hong Kong)
Overview
ManufacturerNissan
Also called
  • Nissan Vanette Serena (1991–1994)
  • Suzuki Landy (Japan, 2007–2022)
Production1991–present
Body and chassis
ClassMinivan
Layout
Chronology
PredecessorNissan Vanette (Asia and Europe)
SuccessorNissan Primastar (for C23, Europe)
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The Serena is designed to comply with Japanese vehicle class, which means its external dimensions are restricted to 4.7 meters in length and 1.7 meters in width. It slots below the larger Nissan Elgrand in Japan as a smaller, cheaper alternative. Competitors include the Toyota Noah, the Honda Stepwgn, the Mitsubishi Delica, and formerly, the Mazda Biante.

Its name is from the Latin word "serēnus", meaning "clear, tranquil, pleasant".

The Serena was rebadged and marketed by Suzuki as the Suzuki Landy (Japanese: スズキ・ランディ, Hepburn: Suzuki Randi) between 2007 and 2022.[1] The Serena based Landy was discontinued and replaced by an all-new version that is now based on the Toyota Noah starting in 2022, when the fourth generation Noah was released.

Like the larger Elgrand, a tuned, modified version of the Serena is available by Autech.

First generation (C23; 1991)

Quick Facts First generation, Overview ...
First generation
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Nissan Serena 2.0 FX (pre-facelift, Japan)
Overview
Model codeC23
Also called
  • Nissan Vanette Cargo/E
  • Nissan Vanette Serena
  • LDV Cub
Production1991–2001
AssemblyJapan: Yokosuka, Kanagawa (Oppama Plant)
Spain: Barcelona
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
Body and chassis
Body style4-door minivan
LayoutFront mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,735 mm (107.7 in)
Length4,355–4,380 mm (171.5–172.4 in)
Width1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height1,825–1,915 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
SuccessorNissan Primastar (Europe)
Close

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.

Serena Highway Star

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.[2] This was named the LDV Cub and was sold alongside the Vanette in Britain. The model was discontinued in 2001 and replaced by a rebadged version of the Renault Trafic called the Nissan Primastar, which is produced in Luton, England and Barcelona, Spain.

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. For those wanting performance cars, the only models with marginally acceptable acceleration are powered by the SR20DE engine, but all models are acceptable for the target family-car user, as shown by sales figures.

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).

Second generation (C24; 1999)

Quick Facts Second generation, Overview ...
Second generation
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Overview
Model codeC24
Also called
  • Dongfeng Yuxuan (China)
  • Dongfeng Succe (China)
Production1999–2005 (Japan)
2001–2012 (Taiwan)
2001–2012 (Malaysia, Philippines)
2004–2012 (Indonesia)
2007–present (China)
AssemblyJapan: Yokosuka, Kanagawa (Oppama Plant)
China: Zhengzhou, Henan (Zhengzhou Nissan)
Indonesia: Purwakarta (Nissan Motor Indonesia)[3]
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (TCMA)
Philippines: Manila (2002–2003)
Santa Rosa City (2003–September 2012)
Taiwan: Miaoli
Body and chassis
Body style5-door minivan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
PlatformNissan MS platform
RelatedDongfeng Yumsun
ZNA Succe
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,695 mm (106.1 in)
Length4,590 mm (180.7 in) 4,731 mm (186.3 in) (Taiwan)
Width1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height1,825 mm (71.9 in)
Curb weight1,580 kg (3,483 lb)
Close

The second-generation Serena was launched in Japan in June 1999, ditched the rear-wheel drive layout in favour of front-wheel drive construction. These versions had a facelift with a wider variety of engines and colours. From December 2001 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. With the partnership between Nissan and Renault having been implemented, Nissan MPVs were withdrawn from Europe where Renault products, like the Renault Espace and Renault Scénic were sold and better accepted.

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 does not come equipped with electric sliding door and reverse camera, while the Highway Star and the Autech do.[4] The C24 Serena was also manufactured by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[5]

Serena Highway Star
Serena Rider

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 was in production until 2012 and only available with the 160 PS (118 kW) 2.5-liter QR25DE engine joined to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.[6]

Chinese version

In the People's Republic of China, the Serena Mk. II was sold by Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile in the form of the Taiwanese Yulon version while being rebadged to Yuxuan or Yumsun under the Dongfeng brand.

Another restyled, rebadged, and renamed version called the Dongfeng Succe and is also produced by their subsidiary Zhengzhou Nissan Automobile.[7]

Third generation (C25; 2005)

Quick Facts Third generation, Overview ...
Third generation
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Overview
Model codeC25
Also calledSuzuki Landy
Production2005–2010
AssemblyJapan: Hiratsuka, Kanagawa (Nissan Shatai)
Body and chassis
Body style5-door minivan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L MR20DE DI I4
TransmissionXtronic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,860 mm (112.6 in)
Length4,650–4,725 mm (183.1–186.0 in)
Width1,695–1,725 mm (66.7–67.9 in)
Height1,840–1,850 mm (72.4–72.8 in)
Curb weight1,610–1,700 kg (3,549–3,748 lb)
Close

The third generation debuted in Japan in May 2005.[8] This model was officially sold in Japan and Hong Kong, and also sold through parallel imports in 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 and fifth generation Serena.

The third generation was discontinued in Japan in late 2010 and in Hong Kong in 2011.

Fourth generation (C26; 2010)

Quick Facts Fourth generation, Overview ...
Fourth generation
Thumb
Overview
Model codeC26
Also calledSuzuki Landy[9]
Production2010–2016 (Japan)
2012–2019 (Indonesia)
2014–2018 (Malaysia)
AssemblyJapan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Motor Kyushu)
Indonesia: Purwakarta (NMI)
Malaysia: Serendah (TCMA)
Body and chassis
Body style5-door minivan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine2.0 L MR20DD DI I4
2.0 L MR20DD S-Hybrid DI I4
TransmissionXtronic CVT
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,860 mm (112.6 in)
Length4,685–4,770 mm (184.4–187.8 in)
Width1,695–1,735 mm (66.7–68.3 in)
Height1,865–1,875 mm (73.4–73.8 in)
Curb weight1,600–1,720 kg (3,527–3,792 lb)
Close

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.[10] This model was sold in Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia.[11]

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.[citation needed] The Serena has a fuel economy of 15.2 km/L (approx 35.8 mpg) under the JC08 test mode.[12]

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.[13][14] 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.[15][16] In July 2016, Impul versions were made available.[17]

Fifth generation (C27; 2016)

Quick Facts Fifth generation, Overview ...
Fifth generation
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2016 Nissan Serena X (C27; pre-facelift, Hong Kong)
Overview
Model codeC27
Also calledSuzuki Landy
Production2016–2022
2018–present (Malaysia)
AssemblyJapan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Motor Kyushu)
Malaysia: Serendah (TCMA)
DesignerKensuke Sugimatsu (facelift)[18][19]
Body and chassis
Body style5-door minivan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine1.2 L HR12DE EFI I3 (generator only; e-Power Hybrid)
2.0 L MR20DD DI I4 (MHEV; S-Hybrid)
Electric motor2x EM57 High Power 96 kW (129 hp), 254 N⋅m (187 lb⋅ft) AC Synchronous electric motor (Serena e-Power)
TransmissionXtronic CVT
Hybrid drivetrainMild hybrid (Serena S-Hybrid)
Series hybrid (Serena e-Power)
Battery1.57 kWh lithium-ion (Serena e-Power)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,860 mm (112.6 in)
Length4,685–4,770 mm (184.4–187.8 in)
Width1,695–1,740 mm (66.7–68.5 in)
Height1,865 mm (73.4 in)
Curb weight1,710 kg (3,770 lb)
Close

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 (19 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.[20]

The Serena e-Power went on sale in February 2018. It is a series hybrid with no plug-in capability powered by the HR12DE straight-three engine.

The C27 Serena debuted in Hong Kong in 2017.[citation needed]

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.[21]

In Singapore, an e-Power powered C27 Nissan Serena was displayed during the 2019 Singapore Motor Show.[22]

In Indonesia, the C27 Serena was launched on 19 February 2019 and is fully imported from Japan.[23]

Facelift

The C27 Serena received a facelift in Japan on 1 August 2019 with redesigned front grille, front and rear bumpers, and omnidirectional driving support.[24][25]

In Malaysia, the facelifted C27 Serena S-Hybrid was launched on 6 July 2022.[26]


Specifications

Engines

More information Model, Years ...
Gasoline-electric hybrid[27][28]
ModelYearsTypePower, torque@rpm
Serena 2WD (5AA-GC27, 5AA-GFC27)2018-1997 cc I4 (Nissan MR20DD)110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) at 6000 rpm, 200 N⋅m (147.5 lb⋅ft; 20.4 kg⋅m) at 4400 rpm
Serena 4WD (5AA-GNC27, 5AA-GFNC27)AC synchronous motor (Nissan SM24)1.9 kW (2.6 PS; 2.5 hp), 4.8 N⋅m (3.5 lb⋅ft; 0.5 kg⋅m)
Serena e-POWER 2WD (6AA-HC27, 6AA-HFC27) 2018-1198 cc I3 (Nissan HR12DE)62 kW (84 PS; 83 hp) at 6000 rpm, 103 N⋅m (76 lb⋅ft; 11 kg⋅m) at 3200-5200 rpm
AC synchronous motor (Nissan EM57)fixed output: 70 kW (95 PS; 94 hp), 320 N⋅m (236.0 lb⋅ft; 32.6 kg⋅m)
maximum output: 100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp), 320 N⋅m (236.0 lb⋅ft; 32.6 kg⋅m)
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Transmission

More information Model, Years ...
Gasoline-electric hybrid
ModelYearsType
Serena 2WD (5AA-GC27, 5AA-GFC27)2018-Xtronic CVT
Serena 4WD (5AA-GNC27, 5AA-GFNC27)
Serena e-POWER 2WD (6AA-HC27, 6AA-HFC27)2018-Single Speed Planetary Gear
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Sixth generation (C28; 2022)

Quick Facts Sixth generation, Overview ...
Sixth generation
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2022 Nissan Serena e-Power XV (GC28, Japan)
Overview
Model codeC28
ProductionNovember 2022 – present
AssemblyJapan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Motor Kyushu)
Body and chassis
Layout
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motorEM57 AC synchronous (1.4 L e-Power hybrid)
Power output
  • 110 kW (148 hp; 150 PS) (MR20DD)
  • 72 kW (97 hp; 98 PS) (HR14DDe)
  • 120 kW (161 hp; 163 PS) (EM57 electric motor)
Transmission
Hybrid drivetrainSeries (e-Power)
BatteryLithium-ion
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,870 mm (113.0 in)
Length4,690–4,765 mm (184.6–187.6 in)
Width1,695–1,715 mm (66.7–67.5 in)
Height1,870–1,895 mm (73.6–74.6 in)
Kerb weight1,670–1,850 kg (3,681.7–4,078.6 lb)
Close

The sixth-generation Serena was unveiled on 28 November 2022.[29]

Markets

Japan

For the Japanese market, it is available in X, XV, Highway Star V and Luxion grade levels. The first three grades are available with either petrol or e-Power and have 7-and 8-seater capacity, while the latter is only offered with e-Power and has 7-seater capacity.[30] Since September 2024, optional “e-4ORCE” four-wheel-drive option became available for the e-Power X, XV and Highway Star V grades.

Singapore

The sixth generation Serena was launched in Singapore on 13 May 2024. It is only offered with e-Power petrol hybrid, with either Premium 8-seater variant and Highway Star Prestige 7-seater variants.[31]

Indonesia

The Indonesian market sixth-generation Serena was previewed in August 2023 at the 30th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show.[32] It went on sale in July 2024 at the same yearly event.[33] For the sixth-generation, the Serena is only available with the e-Power series hybrid powertrain, and is offered in a sole trim level, Highway Star.[34]

Awards

Nissan Serena won Technology Award at 2023-2024 Japan car of the year. Nissan has announced that the Serena minivan has been awarded the Technology Car of the Year at the 2023-2024 Japan Car of the Year awards.[35]

Sales

More information Year, Japan ...
Year Japan[36] Indonesia[37] Malaysia[38]
1999 45,177
2000 64,093 1,682
2001 54,220 1,292
2002 60,492 660
2003 47,400 387
2004 40,760 362
2005 69,973 1,749 1,048
2006 80,901 779 634
2007 77,544 1,279 434
2008 72,927 1,710 422
2009 78,836 2,116 320
2010 75,040 3,166 449
2011 84,359 2,175 361
2012 96,020 2,304 347
2013 96,407 4,008 2,163
2014 76,909 1,712 2,429
2015 61,796 1,661 2,652
2016 73,502 0 2,706
2017 84,433 1,305 2,722
2018 99,865 572 5,846
2019 92,956 964 5,740
2020 68,648 577 4,663
2021 58,954 74 2,554
2022 57,513 333 3,250
2023 75,673 428
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References

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