JAN 2 — The Nissan Serena S-hybrid has the distinction of being the first and only hybrid MPV in Malaysia, and last weekend, about five months after its launch by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, a unit finally came into my hands for a test. I spent a total of four days with the Nissan Serena S-hybrid, and here are my views.
Insofar as hybrids go, there are hybrids, and there are hybrids – you just have to know what you are getting. By definition,
“A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. The term most commonly refers to hybrid electric vehicles, which combine an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. However other mechanisms to capture and utilise energy are included.” —Wikipedia
Basically, you need to have at least two distinct power sources to move the vehicle, and most hybrid vehicles have an internal combustion engine (like the ones we have been used to all our lives), and one or two electric motors.
The last part, which says “other mechanisms to capture and utilise energy are included”, refers to a battery to store or capture energy, and things such as brake energy regeneration, and engine auto-stop systems. The brake energy regeneration mechanism uses energy which would otherwise be wasted during braking, while the engine auto-stop system simply switches off the engine when you come to a stop, (for example, at a traffic light), and automatically re-starts it when you put your foot on the accelerator. Some more sophisticated systems sense the interior temperature/humidity and re-start the engine so that the air-conditioner system can work again.
By definition, the Nissan Serena S-hybrid qualifies as a hybrid vehicle because it meets all the minimum requirements but if you compare it with the other hybrid vehicles available here in Malaysia, it falls short in certain areas. Having said that, it does not mean the Serena S-hybrid is not a good vehicle. There are some good points about it to still make it a worthwhile purchase.
The biggest plus sign is the price of RM149,500 which is contributed largely by the fact that it enjoys the hybrid subsidy making it a very affordable MPV for the user who needs a 7-seater vehicle. If you can recall, the previous Nissan Serena with a conventional engine cost a lot closer to RM200k.
The Serena S-hybrid has a very small and very normal-looking ‘spare’ battery, which is mounted in the engine compartment to store regenerated ‘energy’ from the brakes. In contrast to other systems that use this stored energy to assist the vehicle during acceleration throughout the usage cycle and thereby increasing the total output by up to 30 per cent, the Serena S-hybrid system only contributes a little over two horsepower (1.8kW) to the total engine power, and only upon initial take-off, from 500 rpm to 2,000 rpm. This also contributes approximately 53.6 Nm of torque for the take-off. The same stored energy is also used to run the navigation system and stereo system. In addition, there is an ‘auto-stop’ feature that turns off the engine when you come to a stop.
The engine of the Nissan Serena S-hybrid is a direct injection engine, rated at 147PS at 5,600 rpm and 210Nm of torque. Direct injection engines generally are more fuel-efficient, and the fact that the Nissan Serena S-hybrid carries one is a plus point.
The Serena S-hybrid is equipped with a CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission) with Active Shift Control (ASC). Translated into layman’s language, it is a highly efficient transmission, automatically controlled by a computer that varies the drive ratios to provide a good balance between mechanical advantage (for acceleration) and mechanical efficiency (for better fuel consumption). I know this sounds a little technical, but CVT’s generally contribute towards better fuel efficiency, although some people do not like the driving feel.
The entire drive train with the fuel-efficiency devices put together, actually do contribute greatly to the overall fuel efficiency of the Nissan Serena S-hybrid. Nissan claims 15.2 kilometres per litre of fuel (6.57 l/100km) based on the Japan JCOB test cycle. In my test drive stint around the city of Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, I obtained an average of 9.6 kilometres per litre (10.41 l/100km), which is actually quite good, considering that the Serena is quite a large vehicle.
Acceleration is what I would describe as ‘decent’ enough for the person who actually would buy this vehicle – take-off is smooth and without fuss, but don’t expect to burn any rubber.
In terms of looks, I have to be honest to say that it is not the most handsome of vehicles, but what can you really do to a large square box? To be fair, I have not yet come across any MPV that really appeals to me, yet. However, the interior space is something everyone would appreciate. There is plenty of room for the occupants, and dual air-conditioning takes care of the rear passengers. The rear-most seats fold up to provide additional space at the back, and the middle seats are split 60:40 for transporting long objects. There are numerous compartments for stowage of items; making the Serena S-hybrid a great vehicle for family trips. What I particularly like about the Serena S-hybrid are the two electric-powered sliding doors, and the keyless entry and keyless start.
The big question is of course, is it a good buy? If you are looking for a 7-seater MPV at an affordable price, yes it is. If you are looking for a hybrid MPV, there is no other choice, so yes, it is. If you want a reasonably fuel-efficient MPV, yes, the features of the Serena S-hybrid do contribute to the overall fuel economy, so it is, again, a yes.
