Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has previewed the all-new Nissan Serena e-Power in Malaysia. Already launched in neighbouring markets such as Thailand and Indonesia, the sixth-generation model brings a fresh new look, updated technology, and Nissan’s e-Power system.
As the name suggests, the defining feature of the all-new C28 Nissan Serena is its second-generation e-Power series hybrid powertrain. Similar to the Nissan Kicks e-Power, it uses an internal combustion engine that functions solely as a generator motor to power the batteries, which then powers the electric motors to drive the front wheels.
Here, a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated (NA) three-cylinder engine, producing 98 hp and 123 Nm, charges the 1.77 kWh battery – which powers an electric motor delivering 163 hp and 315 Nm to the front wheels.
In comparison, the current C27 generation Nissan Serena S-Hybrid – despite the “hybrid” in its name – was more of a mild hybrid system. Its 2.0-litre NA four-cylinder with 150 hp and 200 Nm is supported with a smaller electric motor with 2.6 hp and 48 Nm. Power from the engine is sent to the front wheels via a CVT transmission.
Outputs wise, the all-new C28 generation Nissan Serena trumps its predecessor with its new e-Power system. Thanks to its electric motor, the thing most drivers would immediately notice is its instant response.
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As we experienced in a preview test drive session, in an urban setting, setting off from traffic lights, junction exits, and U-turns was almost effortless. While its electric power delivery was instant, it was also impressively smooth, feeling as though it had been calibrated to mimic the more gradual acceleration of a conventional engine-and-gearbox setup – but without the lag. So well-engineered is this system that, after driving both generations back to back, the predecessor feels almost sluggish in comparison.
Nissan says the all-new C28 Serena e-Power is designed to “help reduce motion sickness”. Thanks to a new front suspension system, it now rides smoother and quieter over uneven surfaces. While we didn’t get to try it on winding roads, quick direction changes in traffic revealed noticeably improved composure over the previous generation.
The all-new C28 Nissan Serena e-Power measures 4,765 mm long, 1,715 mm wide, 1,870 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,870 mm. This is precisely 25 mm shorter and narrower, 20 mm taller, and 10 mm longer in wheelbase compared to the current C27-generation in Malaysia.
While it retains much of the C27 generation’s proportions, the all-new C28 Nissan Serena adopts the latest version of Nissan’s “V-motion” front grille, which now stretches into the front fenders. It also features new front and rear light signatures, with its front daytime-running lights (DRL) seamlessly integrated into the grille’s chrome slats.
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The front bumper is also cleaner, with the front fog lights discreetly hidden on the bottom intake just above the front lip. Its small yet intentional side vents give it a more mature look while channelling air through the wheel arches for improved aerodynamics. That being said, the preview car sits on 17-inch dual-tone wheels — smaller than the 18-inch Impul Millennium alloy wheels from the previous-generation model on display for comparison – probably for efficiency.
Sticking to its family-friendly nature, the all-new model carries forward the dual power-sliding rear doors with hands-free operation on both sides. At the back, it retains one of the Serena’s signature touches: a dual back door for quick and easy loading especially in tight spaces.
Safety-wise, the all-new C28 Nissan Serena in Malaysia will come with a range of ProPilot driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a driver attention monitor and automatic high beam. Six airbags and stability control are fitted as standard.
ETCM says the all-new C28 Nissan Serena will launch in Malaysia in Q1 2026. and will mark the company’s first e-Power model to be locally assembled in the company’s assembly plant in Serendah. While interior details remain under wraps for now, overseas versions provide a good indication of what to expect. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but for reference, the current C27 Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is priced between RM149,888 and RM163,888.
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