L-R: Mr Daniel Ho, Group Chief Executive Officer, Tan Chong Motor Holdings; Mrs Asako Hoshino, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Company Ltd; Dato’ Dr Rosie Tan, Deputy President of Tan Chong Group; Mr Nirmal Nair, Vice President, Marketing, Nissan Asia & Oceania.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), distributor and importer of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, has officially launched the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid facelift. The 2022 Serena C27 comes with enhanced styling and added safety features, and is once again available in 2 variants i.e. Highway Star and Premium Highway Star.
The Serena S-Hybrid Highway Star has a retail price of RM149,888 while the Premium Highway Star variant is RM162,888. These prices are on-the-road in Peninsular Malaysia (without insurance), and includes sales tax.
Within the engine bay is the familiar 2.0L Twin CVTC (Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control) engine that is assisted by an Energy Control (ECO) electric motor which controls the idle-stop system, and also provides torque assistance when moving off and when the engine is under high load. The S-Hybrid system is designed to give some of the benefits of a regular hybrid powertrain but without the associated higher costs.
The MR20DD engine produces 150 PS @ 6,000 rpm and 200 Nm @ 4,400 rpm, while the ECO motor assists with 2.6 PS and 48 Nm.
This hybrid drivetrain is paired with the XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Adaptive Shift Control. The intelligent control system interprets the driver intentions from the acceleration and steering and determines the optimum transmission ratios to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency. Classified as an Energy Efficient Vehicle, the Serena S-Hybrid has a rated fuel consumption of 14.2 km/L and has a full tank range of up to 852 km.
Additionally, there is the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection to give the driver a surrounding view of the vehicle. The sensors can also detect moving objects and will alert the driver to be cautious. Meanwhile, Intelligent Driver Alertness will monitor driving behaviour to determine if the driver is lacking in alertness / attention, in which it will remind the driver to take a break. Besides these, the Serena also comes with 6 airbags (including full-length curtain airbags that cover window openings), ISOFIX system for 2nd row seats, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EDB) and Brake Assist (BA), as well as Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
In terms of a facelift, the Serena S-Hybrid gets redesigned dual projector LED automatic headlamps, a new V-motion front grille with a chrome pattern, redesigned front bumper with integrated fog lamps and daytime running lights, and a newly designed LED tail light and rear bumper with added Gloss Black finishing. The Premium Highway Star uses 16″ alloy wheels (in black finish) while the Highway Star goes an inch down.
Adding a more premium ambience to the cabin is soundproofing liners in the rear wheel housing. This helps to supress NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) levels to deliver a quieter, more serene experience for the passengers. The Highway Star gets fabric seats (with an option for leatherette), while the Premium has quilted combination Nappa leather (in a choice of brown or black).
Other goodies included in the Premium variant are a 9″ touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (vs 6.75″), front and rear driving recorders, 11.6″ roof-mounted monitor for rear passengers, “Tech-On” tray mat, trunk tray, LED room lamp, and V-Kool safety tinting film.
Standard to both interiors are 7″ full colour Advanced Drive Assist Display (ADAD), cruise control, smart entry and push button start, dual zone climate control (front), rear cooling vents and digital switch, zero gravity seats, and 7 USB ports. Furthermore, the convenient Dual Back Door and hands-free Dual Power Sliding Doors are carried over from the preceding model.
“Edaran Tan Chong Motor introduced the first Family MPV in 1997 and since then, 4 generations of the Serena have served and met the needs of multiple generations of Malaysian families, providing wonderful moments together. More than 45,000 units have been sold nationwide to date, and in 2021, it was the best-selling Non-National Mid-size MPV in the country,” said Daniel Ho, Group Chief Executive Officer, Tan Chong Motor Holdings.
Meanwhile, Asako Hoshino, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. said, “Malaysia has been an important part of Nissan’s journey in ASEAN since 1957. Nissan will continue to strive to meet our customers’ expectations by focusing on technological innovation and electrification, which will benefit both customers and society. The introduction of the new 2022 Nissan Serena S-HYBRID today demonstrates our commitment to Malaysia.”
“When we launched the Nissan Serena S-HYBRID, it was among the first hybrid models to be assembled in Malaysia and it is still the only locally-assembled hybrid MPV. This new generation of Serena has a very extensive list of features that give it a premium image – without the premium price. Now, to make it even better value for money, it comes with added safety features and fresh styling in line with the latest Nissan design language,” Mr. Daniel added.
According to Mr. Daniel, although there is the ongoing global shortage of microprocessors and logistics issues affecting production, Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (a subsidiary of the Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad) has done its best to minimise waiting periods for all the Nissan models it assembles at the factory in Serendah, Selangor.
“Thanks to the cooperation of our customers who have booked the new Serena S-Hybrid early, we are able to plan better and schedule production more accurately to minimise waiting time. Since we open for bookings, we have received more than 2,000 orders,” he said, adding that those who have booked a vehicle before June 30, 2022, will be able to enjoy the sales tax exemption.
For the ‘early bird’ customers who made bookings, ETCM will show its appreciation with 5 times alternate free Maintenance Services (inclusive of Parts & Labour) and the warranty period will also be up to 5 years with unlimited mileage (terms and conditions apply).
Further, via the GREEN Financing program, customers wishing to purchase the new Serena S-Hybrid are entitled to a 1.99% p.a. interest rate.
Depending on the variants, there are up to 4 colour choices, with a choice of 2-tone scheme for the Premium Highway Star. The body colour choices for the Premium variant are Dark Metal Grey, Brilliant White, Radiant Red and Diamond Black. The roof is finished in black.
For the Serena Highway Star, 3 body colours are available i.e. Brilliant White, Tungsten Silver and Diamond Black.
Keyword: Nissan Serena S-Hybrid Facelift Launched