The C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid was launched in Malaysia back in mid-2018 as a successor to the C26 model and it introduced a number of updates over the predecessor model.

Perhaps the biggest improvement over the C26 Serena is the inclusion of side and curtain airbags, bumping the total airbag count to six. A massive upgrade over the 2 airbags found in the C26 Serena.

Powertrain is carried over from the predecessor model, a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre MR20DD 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 150 PS and 200 Nm, mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission.

Like the predecessor model, the C27 Serena features Nissan’s S-Hybrid system, which we will get into later on.

The C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid range in Malaysia

At launch, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) offered two variants of the C27 Serena here, namely Highway Star and Premium Highway Star. Prices start from RM 135,500 for the Highway Star and RM 147,500 for the Premium Highway Star.

A couple of months later, ETCM introduced the J Impul-kitted C27 Serena. Costing RM 6,000 more than the Premium Highway Star variant, the J Impul variant added chrome bits on the exterior, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and mocha brown quilted leather seats.

As mentioned earlier, all variants of the C27 Serena in Malaysia get the S-Hybrid moniker, which gets its name from a 1.8 kW Eco Motor (Energy Control Motor) that doubles as an alternator and engine starter motor. Said Eco Motor recuperates energy when the car is coasting to reduce fuel consumption.

Compared to a proper hybrid and their regenerative braking, the Eco Motor only recuperates energy.

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

Seeing that the Eco Motor also doubles as a starter motor, it can provide 48 Nm of torque assistance to the crankshaft via a belt pulley, for up to 1 second on standing starts.

And no, the Eco Motor isn’t considered as a micro-hybrid or even a mild-hybrid, as the Eco Motor itself cannot directly drive the wheels.

Standard kit includes the aforementioned 6 airbags, seven USB ports, hands-free opening for the dual power-sliding doors, split-open tailgate, LED headlights, keyless entry with push start button, single-zone automatic air-conditioning, 6.75-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and rear air-cond controls.

The Nissan Serena S-Hybrid’s rivals

In Malaysia, the C27 Nissan Serena largely competes in a one-horse race. The Mazda Biante was the Serena's main rival, sold here between 2013 until its discontinuation in 2017.

Recond dealers here offer similar segment MPVs like the Honda StepWgn and Toyota Voxy / Noah / Esquire for a similar price to the C27 Serena, albeit without the assurance of a manufacturer’s warranty.

Also Read: Nissan Serena vs Toyota Voxy: Which family MPV should you get?

Used prices of the C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid

Prices of a used C27 Nissan Serena on Carsome hover around the RM 100k mark for a 2018 Highway Star variant.

A newer 2019 manufactured Premium Highway Star variant is priced in the RM 114k range.

Common problems and maintenance cost for the C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid

​Seeing that the Serena S-Hybrid isn’t a proper hybrid, there’s no high-voltage battery to worry about, especially for those who wants to keep their cars long term.

That said, the Serena S-Hybrid relies on two batteries, a main battery and sub-battery. Both batteries are Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB) that are capable of recovering charges faster, as well as handling the Serena S-Hybrid’s idle start / stop function better.

EFB-type batteries are typically more expensive than traditional lead acid batteries, though cheaper than AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries.

Compared to the C26 Serena, Nissan has ironed out some issues found in the older model, like the radiator fan issue. That being said, some issues still persist, even in the newer model.

Also Read: In Brief: Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, finally a worthy family MPV

Considering that the C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is mechanically similar to the predecessor C26 model, fixes that apply to the C26 can also be applied to the C27.

For engine oil, Nissan recommends 0W-20 fully-synthetic engine oil for optimal engine performance. Usage of different oils and/or viscosities could lead up to premature engine wear and carbon build-up.

As the MR20DD engine features direct-injection, Noel from JTech Autoserv recommends a procedure called walnut blasting to remove carbon deposits that build up in the intake valves after some time. This procedure costs under RM 500 and dissolves and removes all carbon deposits, thereby restoring engine efficiency.

Symptoms of clogged intake valves include loss of power and poorer-than-usual fuel economy.

Then there’s the C28 Serena’s CVT. Nissan recommends that the CVT transmission fluid to be changed at every 80,000 km interval, but for older and cars with higher mileage, it is highly recommended to replace at a shorter and more frequent 40,000 km interval to avoid issues with the CVT.

It is also prudent to take the C28 Serena to a specialist when it comes to servicing the CVT, as it requires a very precise levelling procedure to ensure smooth operations and it’s wise to engage the services of specialists like JTech Autoserv.

Noel also recommends that owners of the C28 Serena to inspect the Eco Motor’s belt and pulley assembly, as worn belt and pulley can cause premature failures with the system.

​Besides this, there are some common wear and tear problem items that prospective buyers should look out for. On high mileage cars, look out for unusual knocking noise of vibrations from the car's underbody. The problem is usually related to worn subframe rubber bushes, and JTech Autoserv's proposal to customers is to replace it with more durable, upgraded polyurethane (PU) ones.

The power sliding doors may also give problems on heavy-duty family use cars but this is usually caused by a jammed actuator and fixing it is cheap.

Conclusion

Compared to the C26 Nissan Serena, the newer C27 model is a much better purchase, owing to the additional side and curtain airbags, more creature comforts, and ingenious split folding tailgate.

While ETCM did launch the facelifted C27 Nissan Serena earlier this year, changes aren’t exactly massive – there’s now the Nissan Intelligent Mobility ADAS suite, a larger 9-inch infotainment display, as well as new body colours.

Also Read: Earn RM 4k a month? Here are 6 great used cars, from Civic to C-Class

That said, with prices starting from the RM 150k mark, buying a new C27 Nissan Serena doesn’t make much financial sense, when a used one from Carsome is practically a new car too, albeit several thousand Ringgit cheaper.

Check out Carsome’s listings of C27 Nissan Serena here.