Sixth-Gen Nissan Serena Bows In Singapore – Malaysia Next?

New sixth-gen (C28) Nissan Serena e-Power MPV that debuted during last week's Singapore Motor Show 2024. (Image source: CarBuyer Singapore)

The new and now properly hybridised sixth generation (C28) Nissan Serena MPV was amongst many other debutants at the recently concluded Singapore Motor Show 2024 held late last week.

For the Singaporean market, the electrified MPV is set to go on sale starting from the second quarter (Q2) of this year. It will be offered with two seating layout options – 7-seat and 8-seat – and feature Nissan’s new e-Power hybrid powertrain setup.

Unveiled back in Nov 2022, the new sixth-gen Serena now harnesses a proper hybrid setup featuring a 1.3-litre 3-cyl mill acting primarily as a generator. Drive is supplied by an e-motor instead.

A similar e-Power hybrid setup was primed in the previous generation C27 model for Singapore – a huge contrast to the ‘mild’ or ‘smart’ hybrid setup primed in the Malaysian-market version assembled and sold by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM).

Thar model shown at the show last week featured a larger new 1.4-litre 3-cyl naturally aspirated mill rated at 97 HP and 123 NM. Typically, this combustion element serves primarily as a generator that charges up a lithium-ion battery pack.

In turn, the latter battery juices an electric motor that outputs 161 HP and 315 NM to the front wheels, and this provides the sole means of propulsion for this latest-gen Serena – there is no mechanical link between the engine and front wheels.

In terms of size, things are largely similar from before. The exterior design, on the other hand, is best described as an 'evolution' of the outgoing C27-gen model. (image source: TopGear Singapore)

In terms of size, this new generation model has roughly the same footprint as the outgoing C27 model, but it does sport an evolutionary new design and aesthetics. Key traits include Nissan’s latest V-grille design motif, stacked headlamps, and narrower taillights.

On board, the cabin design has been overhauled with a new with digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system in the dash. New too are the discreet air vents and an angled panel that houses the climate control, gear selector, and other vehicle functions.

On board, the cabin design has been fully overhauled. Up front sits a pair of new digital displays plus an angled panel housing the climate controls, transmission selector, and other vehicle functions. (Image source: TopGear Singapore)

Though camouflaged prototypes of the C28-gen Nissan Serena were sighted undergoing road tests locally some time back, local brand vanguard ETCM hasn’t indicated when exactly it intends to market this all-new generation version of its best-selling people-mover.

Nevertheless, given its debut just across the causeway, we reckon an official launch will take place sometime later this year. In the meantime, you can read what life was life behind the wheel of the current-gen model in our feature review by clicking these blue words…