These days, SUVs and crossovers are undoubtedly the most popular choice, since they combine space, practicality and ease of driving (and in some cases, lots of horsepower) into one cohesive package.

But, there will also remain those who prefer the roomier layouts of an MPV, together with their ease of comfortably fitting passengers in all three rows, which is not something that can be said of all SUVs claiming to seat seven.

Unveiled locally at the Singapore Motorshow, the 6th-generation Serena (known officially as the Serena e-POWER Hybrid Highway Star Prestige 7-Seater) isn’t a car I typically seek out. But, having been acquainted with the previous generation, my curiosity was piqued ever since its launch, and it’s finally time to experience it for myself.

With Age Comes Better Looks

Being a rather boxy MPV, its overall looks haven’t changed drastically. However, where the competition has chosen to go with sportier, perhaps more aggressive looks, the Serena bucks that trend and elects to have a more matured aesthetic evolution.

Beyond some resemblance on the grille to the previous generation, that’s where it ends. The front fascia now has a much more pronounced “V” shape, with the LED headlights and daytime running lights forming the outline of that “V” shape. The rear now looks tidier and slightly more sleek, with full LED tail lights flanking the larger rear windscreen. 

The bodylines now look more taut and slightly flared. After all, it’s about a mature aesthetic evolution, not a drastic makeover. If I could change something, I would swap the stock 16-inch wheels for a larger aftermarket set, but that’s just personal taste. 

Can More Interiors Be Like This?

Being a true 7 seater, it seats 2 up front, 2 in the middle with captain’s chairs, and a 3-seat bench in the last row. Passengers in the second and third row get a small tray table each, folding out from the back of the seats in front of them. Not forgetting, USB ports at the back of the front seats, so no one’s devices will be lacking charge. 

In the last row, 3 people will fit comfortably back here with sufficient legroom. There’s a 12V socket and USB ports for charging needs, and a headrest for everyone. Third headrest? What third headrest? When not in use, it is stowed away in a purpose-built cut-out on the right side of the boot, and not blocking the driver’s rear view mirror. 

As expected, comfort is paramount here. I daresay that there isn’t one uncomfortable seat here, not even in the third row. Especially when all the seats are upholstered in soft nappa leather, it adds an air of sophistication to an already comfortable car.

Two 12.3-inch screens, virtually identical to those in the X-Trail, display the gauge cluster and infotainment system, differing only in how the gauge cluster screen is now front and centre. Should you prefer to mirror your phone, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connect seamlessly to the infotainment either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

Since all buttons for vehicular control and climate functions have been moved to the centre console, this frees up space where the transmission tunnel would be, adding to the already copious amount of storage space in the boot and cabin. 

On top of all that storage space, the Serena also has some party tricks. Need to access the boot and not want to open the sizable tailgate? The rear windscreen can be opened independently. Don’t have hands to open the rear doors? Swing your foot under the B-pillar line, and the rear doors will open automatically! Truly handy.

A Truly Serene Drive

The new Serena has not only improved on its interior, but also its road manners. A newly developed 1.4-litre 3-cylinder serves as a generator, charging its batteries via an inverter. There is no mechanical linkage between its combustion engine and its wheels – the 161 bhp electric motor provides all the propulsion for the Serena.

A dynamic drive this isn’t, but is that necessary when you can get up to 20.4 km/litre? 0 to 100 km/h times aren’t provided either, but is that what you’re after in a car like this?

Riding on torsion beam rear suspension, it soaked up even the biggest bumps with aplomb. While there is only acoustic glass on the windscreen and front windows, overall NVH levels exceeded my expectations, with wind noise mostly kept at bay even at expressway speeds. 

Try one pedal driving, or e-Pedal, should you desire maximum efficiency. When activated, regenerative braking becomes pretty strong, and it could cause a jerky ride while you get used to it, but you’ll soon find yourself hardly ever touching the physical brakes. 

Driving the Serena couldn’t be easier, which comes as standard with a comprehensive safety suite dubbed “Nissan Safety Shield Technologies”. This consists of adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning and automatic emergency braking, to list a few. Plus, an excellent turning circle and a 360 degree camera definitely helps in narrower carparks.

A New Standard for MPVs

At $208,800 (prices accurate at press time), the Serena isn’t the cheapest. But once you start comparing it to the other 7-seater MPVs like the Toyota Voxy and Honda Odyssey, you’ll realise just how much more value you’re getting as compared to the competition.

The Serena is not without some small shortcomings (for one, it could really use an automatic tailgate), but as a whole, it is well equipped, well-built, terribly comfortable, and gets some pretty stellar fuel economy numbers even with 1,798 kg of mass. 

If you have to question why you shouldn’t get a Serena if you’re in the market for a car like that, take one out for a test drive, experience it for yourself, and thank me later. 

You May Be Interested In: 2022 Nissan Qashqai Mild Hybrid Review – Now That’s A Glow-Up