2011 Nissan Serena Review
Price
from: RM132,832
to: RM143,022
Installment
from: RM1,267/mth
to: RM1,364/mth
2011 Nissan Serena at a glance
Hardly the most exciting to look at and drive, but the 2011 Nissan Serena passes with flying colours as a safe, comfortable, roomy and practical seven-seater MPV. The 2011 Nissan Serena is more expensive than key rivals, however.
2011 Nissan Serena quick specs
| Body Style | MPV |
| Class | Large Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
2011 Nissan Serena ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The 2011 Nissan Serena may be sensible and practical, but looks are quite apparently not high on its list of priorities. The boxy shape does not win many points on styling, but contributes greatly to the generous headroom. The Highway Star variant comes with a roof spoiler and Nismo aero kit as standard.
Handling
The chassis is largely carried over from the previous Nissan Serena. It is obvious that the 2011 Nissan Serena is more comfort- than handling-focused. Having said that, the 2011 Nissan Serena handles well by full-size MPV standards. Even with the tall sides, body movements are well-contained. In urban areas, maneuvering and parking the boxy, large MPV is easy, thanks to the light steering, decent visibility and of course sensors.
Comfort
The ride is comfortable over most surfaces. On the highways, the ride feels stable enough, and although the square front end kicks up some wind noise, the cabin is generally quiet. Driver and occupants sit high and enjoy a decent all-round view. The available seating and steering adjustments are sufficient for us to find an ideal driving position. Controls are well laid out and easy to use, including the gear level located behind the steering wheel.
Quality + Reliability
As with the exterior, the cabin feels built to function and to last. The dash items feel solidly put together, and all controls function as they should. Hard, tough plastics are everywhere to be seen, however, and the controls could be more tactile. As for all cars wearing the Nissan badge, the 2011 Nissan Serena can be expected to be mechanically reliable, especially when the engine has been in service in the Nissan X-Trail for some time now.
Performance
The previous Nissan Serena was under-powered and laboured when carrying full load. Thus enters a 148 bhp, 200 Nm 2.0-litre that also powers the Nissan X-Trail. Torquey and linear in power delivery, the engine puts out a performance that does not disappoint: good acceleration from standstill and strong overtaking ability are the order of the day, along with lesser engine noise. The four-speed automatic transmission is smooth and decisive, too.
Roominess
Room for seven plus astounding seating flexibility ranks the 2011 Nissan Serena as one of the most practical MPV money can buy. The tall, boxy body means plenty of headroom for occupants, while legroom is good even for the last row. The countless number of seating configurations cater to all possible scenarios that big families may encounter. Ingress and egress are easy thanks to a low floor and two large sliding doors.
Running Costs
The engine is reasonably efficient from our experience with the Nissan X-Trail, but the 2011 Nissan Serena's extra weight count will surely dent the fuel economy, especially with seven on board. Servicing and repairs should be affordable. The popular Nissan brand, while still not as strong as Honda or Toyota, will enable the Serena to fetch competitive resale values.
Value for Money
There is little doubt that the 2011 Nissan Serena looks unexciting, and the same can be said about the handling. But the Nissan Serena is about moving seven occupants in a safe, comfortable manner and catering to any family life needs that may arise. To that end, the 2011 Nissan Serena passes with flying colours, bringing unmatched seating flexibility and a decent level of luxury in the Highway Star variant along the way. It is more expensive than key rivals, however.
Equipment
The Comfort variant comes with 15" alloy wheels, reverse sensors, auto air-conditioning, power folding side mirrors, 4 power windows, Clarion radio/CD audio system with 4 speakers, central locking and immobiliser. The Highway Star variant adds a roof spoiler, Nismo aero kit, fog lamps, front corner sensors, leather seats, wood-grain interior panels, V-Kool Crystal, in-dash 6-CD changer and speed sensor lock. Safety equipments include dual front SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Environment
Whether in terms of carbon dioxide emissions or fuel consumption, the 2011 Nissan Serena does reasonably well by full-size MPV standards. Take the ability to carry seven into consideration (meaning less pollution per occupant), and suddenly the 2011 Nissan Serena seems “green” even against certain sedans and hatchbacks.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Improved performance
Roomy interior
Seating flexibility
Boxy styling
Hard cabin plastics
Key rivals are cheaper
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