Yesterday, Nissan took the covers off the all-new 2023 C28 Nissan Serena, the sixth-generation model in its successful people mover line-up.

For its sixth-generation model, Nissan has revamped its popular people mover, refreshing practically all aspects of the Serena, from its exterior, to its interior, as well as powertrain and safety aspects.

Also Read: All-new C28 2023 Nissan Serena launched in Japan, 1.4L e-Power replaces S-Hybrid

For the Japanese market, Nissan offers 11 variants, spanning across two powertrain options. And that figure does not include Autech and handicap-friendly variants, as well as four-wheel drive variants, which bumps the number of variants up to a whopping 33 variants.

The S-Hybrid variant that most Malaysians are familiar with is gone. In its place is the regular naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre MR20DD 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 150 PS and 200 Nm, mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automatic transmission.

There’s also a newly-developed e-Power series-hybrid system, featuring a naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine (98 PS, 123 Nm) mated to an EM57 electric motor that does 163 PS and 315 Nm.

Also Read: All-new 2023 Nissan Serena (C28) rendered - Launching in Japan in Nov but much later for Malaysia

Seeing that the e-Power is a series-hybrid system, the tiny 1.4-litre 3-cylinder engine only serves as an on-board generator for the electric motor; the engine does not drive the wheels.

Also Read: Hybrid 101: Demystifying MHEV, HEV, PHEV, and understanding whether Toyota, Honda, or Perodua hybrids are best for you

Under the WLTC test cycle, the e-Power-equipped Serena returns an average fuel consumption of 4.85-litre/100 km (20.6 km/litre). Regular petrol variants of the Serena return up to 7.46-litre/100 km (13.4 km/litre) under the same test cycle.

In terms of design, the Serena gets the most striking design amongst its core rivals, namely the Honda StepWgn and Toyota Voxy.

At a glance, the C28 Nissan Serena gets a full-faced fascia with integrated headlights and grille, giving it a very imposing look. The front fog lights are nestled within the lower air intake housing.

Also Read: Spied: Next-gen Nissan Serena C28 spotted testing in Thailand though it was never offered there!

The side profile of the C28 Serena is largely reminiscent of the predecessor model, down to its raised beltline towards the rear. Regardless of variant, all Japanese spec C28 Serena get 16-inch wheels, albeit with varying designs.

The C28 Nissan Serena continues to offer the ingenious split-type, dual-opening tailgate; a feature not found on the Voxy and StepWgn.

Nissan has also overhauled the cabin of the C28 Serena, bringing its 7-/8-seater model up-to-date with modern trends, including dual 12.3-inch displays up front, USB-C charging ports, and push button-type gear shifter.

Headlining the C28 Serena’s safety suite is the enhanced ProPilot 2.0 ADAS suite, which now includes features like Collision Avoidance Steering Assist, ProPilot Parking, and ProPilot Remote Parking.

What about Malaysia?

If you’re looking forward to trade in your C27 Serena for the all-new model, hold your horses as we may not be getting the new people mover so soon.

After all, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) just launched the facelifted C27 Nissan Serena earlier this year, which means that the next-gen model won’t arrive on Malaysian shores until 2024 or 2025.

The current C27 Nissan Serena is priced between RM 149,888 to RM 162,888.