Old vs new: Prices are up, but these are the added features in the the new 2022 C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid

The 2022 C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid has just undergone a refresh exercise that isn’t restricted to cosmetics and includes some upgrades in the form of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that’s standard across the range.

Here, we’ll have a quick glance through the upgrades that the facelift has received over its predecessor.

While the range still comprises 2 locally-assembled variants in the form of the Highway Star and Premium Highway Star, pricing has climbed a little:

• Highway Star - RM 149,888 (previously was RM 128,000)
• Premium Highway Star - RM 162,888 (previously was RM 139,000)

Also Read: New 2022 Nissan Serena facelift launched in Malaysia, now with ADAS, priced from RM 150k

So, what does the extra coin get you? Mostly active safety and you know what they say, you can’t put a price on safety.

The improved ADAS; or Nissan Intelligent Mobility, introduces the following features for both variants that were previously unavailable on the pre-facelift:

• forward collision warning
• autonomous braking with pedestrian detection up to 5 kph
• blind spot warning
• lane departure warning
• rear cross traffic alert

Of course, no facelift exercise is complete without some cosmetic revisions and it isn’t any different here.

Also Read: New C27 2022 Nissan Serena facelift to launch in July with AEB, BSM, RCTA, estimated RM 150,000

The front now sports a more intricate grille with redesigned LED headlights while the rear gets LED taillights. Unfortunately, we don’t get the new Japanese market wheels, instead it continues with the same design from the pre-facelift but with the 16-inch rollers now painted gloss black.

Inside, the Premium Highway Star now has a larger infotainment touchscreen; a 9.0-inch unit. However, the Highway Star makes do with the 6.75-inch unit from the pre-facelift. Nonetheless, both still support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, the flagship variant also has a 11.6-inch roof-mounted monitor for the second and third tow passengers.

Also Read: Review: The Nissan Serena will not inspire you, but few other MPVs can do a better job

Further distinguishing itself from the Highway Star, the Premium Highway Star in the facelift now gets quilted Nappa leather seats, a trunk tray, Tech-On tray mats, dual-channel digital video recorder (DVR) and LED room lights.

The powertrain remains unchanged with the same naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine making 150 PS and 200 Nm. An Eco Motor replaces the starter motor and provides a 48 Nm torque assistance to the crankshaft via a belt pulley for about 1 second when required. It’s also the same CVT transmission sending power to the front wheels.

While the warranty is still a 5-year, unlimited mileage deal, there’s now a neat deal that throws in a free service 5 times every alternate service.

Simply put, that’s getting every alternate service free for 5 times. The free one is inclusive of parts and labour.