25/01/2026

theSunday Special XIV ON SUNDAY JAN 25, 2026

Dual 12.3-inch displays.

14-inch fold-down entertainment screen.

Rear seat climate control.

Dual zone climate control.

STRONG VALUE PROPOSITION

feels thoroughly modern without demanding lifestyle compromises. For families seeking a quiet, comfortable and highly usable people mover that embraces elec trification in a sensible, user friendly way, the Nissan C28 makes a compelling case and sets a new benchmark for what a mainstream MPV can be. SPECIFICATIONS Motor: Single, front-mounted electric motor Power: 163PS Torque: 315Nm Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive Hybrid system: Nissan e-Power (engine as generator only) Petrol engine: 1.4-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated (generator only) Battery: 1.77kWh lithium-ion Estimated driving range: Up to 1,000km Price as tested: Estimated between RM160,000 and RM180,000 We like: EV-like smoothness without charging anxiety and practicality. We don’t like: High-speed cor nering still reminds you it’s a tall, boxy MPV.

During highway cruising, the pet rol engine engages more fre quently but does so smoothly and unobtrusively. Even when climbing steep gra dients such as the KL–Karak Expressway, the Serena main tains steady progress without feeling strained, and no battery overheating issues were encoun tered. Ride comfort has been a major focus for this generation. Nissan has introduced a newly developed SUV-based front suspension, upgraded electric power steering, improved brake control and extensive sound insulation throughout the cabin. An acoustic windscreen further reduces wind noise at speed. These changes combine to deliver a noticeably calmer driving expe rience compared to the previous S-Hybrid model. Noise, vibration and harshness levels are well controlled, and the Serena feels more composed over uneven surfaces. Anti-motion sickness technologies, including aerodynamic tweaks and refined chassis tuning, make a tangible difference, particularly for rear passengers.

That said, physics cannot be entirely ignored. The Serena’s tall, boxy shape means it still feels unsettled during aggressive high speed cornering. Driven sensibly, however, it remains stable and reassuring, especially on long highway stretches where it settles into a relaxed, comfortable cruise. SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE Safety is another area where the C28 makes meaningful strides. The MPV is equipped with Nissan’s ProPilot suite of advanced driver assistance sys tems, including Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning with Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Emergency Braking and Forward Collision Warning. These systems work seamlessly to reduce driver fatigue, particu larly during long-distance jour neys or congested urban com mutes. A 360° Around View Monitor further aids parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces, enhancing overall confidence behind the wheel.

Power comes from a 163PS, 315Nm electric motor driving the front wheels, while a 1.4-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine acts purely as a gen erator. Equipped with Nissan’s Mirror Bore Coating technology, the engine operates at optimal effi ciency to charge a 1.769kWh lith ium-ion battery or supply electric ity directly to the motor when required. The result is an EV-like driving experience without range anxiety. Nissan claims fuel consump tion of 18.5km per litre under the NEDC cycle, translating to a potential driving range of up to 1,000km on a full tank. In urban driving, the Serena feels remarkably smooth and refined. At low speeds, the engine remains largely dormant, allowing the MPV to glide through traffic in near silence. The e-Pedal mode enables near single-pedal driving, making stop-and-go traffic far less tiring. CONFIDENT AND COMFORTABLE On the open road, the Serena e Power continues to impress.

Set to launch in Malaysia in March 2026, the all-new Nissan Serena e-Power is expected to be priced between RM160,000 and RM180,000. This positions it as one of the most affordable new MPVs with dual sliding doors and an electri fied powertrain, especially when compared to similarly sized rivals that are either not officially sold locally or rely on more conven tional drivetrain layouts. Early interest has been encour aging, with around 400 bookings recorded ahead of its official launch. That figure suggests strong confidence in Nissan’s lat est approach to the family MPV formula. FINAL THOUGHTS The car is not trying to be a lux ury MPV, nor does it pretend to be a sporty one. Instead, it focuses squarely on what matters most to families: comfort, efficiency, space and ease of use. By combining EV-like driving refinement with the practicality of a petrol-powered generator, Nissan has created an MPV that