Nissan Releases All-New Serena

June 21, 1999

Nissan Releases All-New Serena

Tokyo-Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the domestic release of the new-generation Serena following the execution of a full model change.

 

Serena J-V Pack (2WD Gasoline 2000, HYPER CVT)

 

Ever since its debut in June 1991 under the concept of "a new-generation family vehicle providing superb enjoyment and comfort for all occupants," the Serena has won high accolades for such notable features as its interior spaciousness and numerous utility functions providing outstanding convenience.

This second generation of the Serena has been developed around the concept of "a solidly built, remarkably comfortable one-box vehicle." It is clearly distinguished from previous one-box vehicles by combining solid body rigidity with solid driving performance while at the same time further enhancing the inherent comfort and convenience of a one-box vehicle.

Developed as a dedicated wagon, the new Serena adopts a front-engine, front-drive layout in place of the midship-engine, rear-drive configuration of the previous model, thereby keeping the floor height low for superior ease of ingress/egress along with allowing commodious interior spaciousness. Moreover, the Serena is the first one-box vehicle to come with sliding doors on both sides of all models while at the same time achieving vastly higher body rigidity. This has been accomplished largely by adopting a new platform, improved specifically for application to one-box vehicles based on Nissan's new-generation M&S class platform for midsize and small cars, and by strengthening the places where it is joined to the body.

Executed in a boxy, compact body with small car dimensions, the exterior features a sporty styling characterized by a wide, tenacious look. Also available are the Highway Star models that convey an even sportier image.

Among the cutting-edge powertrain units offered are the NEO Di YD25DDTi direct-injection diesel engine, HYPER CVT continuously variable transmission and Auto Control 4WD system, which combine to give the Serena class-leading driving performance and fuel economy.

Thoroughgoing efforts have also been exerted to achieve cleaner exhaust emissions for enhanced environmental friendliness. In addition to adopting the latest powertrain units to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the 2WD models fitted with a gasoline engine are available with a low-emission vehicle (LEV) specification.

Safety performance has also been meticulously addressed, including the adoption of the high-strength Zone Body construction for high-level crashworthiness.

Price Range and Sales Target
The Serena is priced nationwide in a range from 1,749,000 yen to 3,019,000 yen. Nissan projects a monthly sales volume of 5,000 units.

Overview of New Serena

1. Packaging
The new Serena adopts a front-engine, front-drive configuration instead of the midship-engine, rear-drive layout of the previous model, reducing the floor height at both the front and second-row seats by 70 mm compared with the previous model. This low floor height allows easy one-step ingress/egress.

The Serena is the first one-box vehicle to feature sliding doors on both sides of all models for effortless entry/exit by second- and third-row seat occupants as well as substantially improved convenience. In addition, while providing handy sliding doors on both sides, the Serena still has a highly rigid body structure with 40% more torsional rigidity than the previous model. Among other measures, this has been achieved by adopting a new platform that has been improved for exclusive one-box use, based on the new-generation M&S class platform, and by strengthening the locations where it is connected to the body.

A spacious, comfortable interior with a feeling of openness has been created by increasing the interior height to allow ample head clearance and by providing a flat floor from the front seats to the third-row seat.

The adoption of a column shift and the flat floor allow lateral walk-through convenience in the front seat area as well as between the front and second-row seats.

Versatile seating arrangements can readily be configured to match a wide variety of uses and needs. The split-type second-row seats are simple to remove and install and swivel to allow face-to-face conversation. Both the second- and third-row seats also provide long longitudinal travel for added flexibility.

2. Exterior
Based on a boxy form offering excellent space efficiency, the Serena has been designed with highly distinctive front and rear views emphasizing a sense of width and tenacity. Notable styling cues include the large, three-dimensional complex surface reflector (C.S.R.) halogen headlamps that wrap around toward the top of the hood, dynamic side silhouette and window graphics, and rear combination lamps that accentuate the car's wide look. These and other design features combine to express the fresh character of the new-generation Serena distinguished by its sporty and distinct sense of presence.

The sportier Highway Star has been styled with a bold-looking aero front bumper incorporating dedicated fog lamps, side sill protectors and a roof spoiler, all of which hint at its nimble, spirited driving performance.

3. Interior/Utility
The instrument panel design has been rendered with a low surface height for enhanced ease of use and is composed of gently curved surfaces to convey a feeling of functionality and openness.

The wide 6.5" display of the navigation system is centrally mounted atop the instrument panel to minimize the driver's eye movement when viewing the screen. This enables the driver to obtain displayed information more easily and efficiently. The monitor also features an integrated design with the instrument panel.

The interior abounds with various types of storage places, including cupholders and handy recesses for small things, so that all occupants can conveniently and efficiently store essential items at their own seats. The rear area is fitted with long utility grips, incorporating a coat hook, that serve as passenger assist grips for all second- and third-row seat positions and can also be used to secure cargo carried in the luggage area.

4. Driving Performance

NEO Di YD25DDTi 2.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder direct-injectiondiesel engine
The NEO Di YD25DDTi direct-injection diesel engine generates class-leading power of 150 PS/4000 rpm to deliver superior driving performance. Moreover, this outstanding engine incorporates Nissan's unique new Modulated Fire (M-Fire) combustion technology to achieve vastly cleaner combustion for a substantial reduction of black smoke while simultaneously lowering nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by approximately 35% compared with conventional diesel vehicles. Besides reducing interior noise and body vibration to unprecedented levels for diesel cars, the Serena diesel models improve fuel economy by approximately 30% and cut CO2 emissions by about 20% under Japan's 10-15 test mode, based on an in-house comparison with the performance of the diesel versions of the previous model.

SR20DE 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder gasoline engine and HYPER CVT
The 2.0-liter SR20DE gasoline engine has been improved over the entire engine speed range to achieve class-leading power of 145 PS along with quick, nimble throttle response and a broad power band for superb performance befitting a high-quality 4-cylinder engine. Nissan's HYPER CVT is featured in this vehicle class for the first time, enabling the Serena to provide smooth, powerful acceleration free of any shift shock. The HYPER CVT incorporates the E-Flow Torque Converter with a lockup clutch that engages at low speeds for enhanced start-off acceleration performance and fuel economy; it also improves driveability at very low speeds, such as when taking off on an uphill incline or putting the vehicle in the garage. Thanks to the adoption of the HYPER CVT, engine improvements and other refinements, models fitted with the SR20DE engine consume about 35% less fuel and emit approximately 25% less CO2 under Japan's 10-15 test mode than previous models equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Moreover, the 2WD models feature an LEV specification that reduces exhaust emission levels to around one-tenth of the average values required for 10-15 test mode operation under Japan's current exhaust emission standards.

Newly developed Auto Control 4WD system
The Serena adopts the Auto Torque Control (ATC) coupling that distributes the optimum level of torque to the front and rear wheels according to the road surface condition and vehicle speed. In addition, the 4WD system has been substantially downsized and lightened by integrating the rear final drive unit with the coupling and by adopting a three-joint propeller shaft, among other improvements, allowing the Serena to deliver outstanding driving performance combined with excellent fuel economy. As a result of increasing the strength of HYPER CVT components and reducing the 4WD system size and weight, the Serena features the world's first implementation of the HYPER CVT in a 2.0-liter class 4WD vehicle. As a result, this enables the 4WD Serena models to provide significantly improved fuel economy and smooth, powerful driving performance.

Suspension
At the rear, the Serena is supported by a newly developed trailing arm type multi-link suspension, which secures superb handling and stability combined with a smooth, comfortable ride, in addition to allowing generous interior spaciousness. A strut suspension is used at the front to achieve a natural steering response and stable ride comfort with minimal vibration.

Highly rigid body structure
To ensure an optimum balance of superior handling and stability together with comfortable driving performance, the Serena features a new platform based on Nissan's new-generation M&S class platform and improved specifically for exclusive use on one-box vehicles. In addition, the body has been effectively reinforced to form a highly rigid body structure with approximately 40% more torsional rigidity than that of the previous model. Moreover, optimal placement of materials for absorbing and isolating noise has resulted in class-leading quietness, creating an exceptionally quiet interior for enjoying lively conversations.

5. Environmental Friendliness and Safety

Models powered by the NEO Di YD25DDTi direct-injection diesel engine improve fuel economy by approximately 30% and reduce CO2 emissions by about 20% under 10-15 test mode operation compared with the previous diesel engine models, according to an in-house comparison.

Besides equipping all 2.0-liter gasoline models with the HYPER CVT, the improvements made to the SR20DE engine cut fuel consumption by roughly 35% and CO2 emissions by approximately 25% under 10-15 test mode operation compared with the previous models mounted with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

The 2WD models fitted with the 2.0-liter gasoline engine feature a low-emission vehicle (LEV) specification that provides markedly cleaner exhaust by reducing emission levels to around one-tenth of the average regulation values currently specified for operation under Japan's 10-15 test mode. These LEV models comply with the strict exhaust emission standards of the designated low-NOx vehicle system adopted by six prefectures and cities in the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe region. They also meet the guidelines prescribed in the Japanese government's "recommended list of product specifications and materials having minimal environmental impact."

As a result of vigorous efforts made to improve recyclability, the Serena achieves a recyclable rate of 90% by weight, according to Nissan's own calculation standards.

Nissan's high-strength Zone Body construction has been adopted to provide high-level crashworthiness, based on extensive crash tests that simulated impacts from various directions, including full-overlap frontal, offset frontal, side and rear collisions, and on repeated crash analyses utilizing the capabilities of a supercomputer.

All models come with an antilock braking system (ABS), Braking Assist and an Electronic Braking Force Distribution (EBD) system as standard equipment to provide stable braking performance corresponding to wide-ranging changes in vehicle conditions, including the number of occupants.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SERENA

In conjunction with the release of the new-generation Serena, Autech Japan, Inc., a Nissan affiliate, today released throughout Japan the Serena Kitakitsune (meaning a northern fox), as well as the Serena Enchante lifecare vehicle*, and the Serena Personal Chair Cab lifecare vehicle*. All of these new models feature completely updated exterior styling and interior appointments.

*Nissan Group companies use the term lifecare vehicle (LV) to refer to vehicles that are specifically designed to assist persons with special mobility needs in their everyday lives.

Overview of New Serena Kitakitsune
The new Serena Kitakitsune adopts a variety of design features to create a highly distinctive external appearance abounding with a fun-filled spirit. These include a dedicated front overrider emphasizing an outdoor image, exclusive body side stripes decorated with a cute northern fox character and an attractive name emblem.

The use of exclusive seating systems allows extraordinary interior convenience, including flexible expansion of the luggage area as needed. The second-row bench seat features a fold-up cushion while the third-row seats fold up toward the sides.

Overview of New Serena Enchante and Personal Chair Cab
The newly released Serena Enchante is specifically designed for senior citizens, persons with leg disabilities and others who experience difficulty in entering and exiting vehicles. A power passenger seat type and a power step type are two new models added to the lineup this time, joining the power second-row seat type previously available. Both the power passenger seat type and the power second-row seat type are fitted with a "slide-out lift seat" that can be swiveled and lowered outside the vehicle by an electric motor. The power step type is equipped with a "motor-driven sliding step" at the sliding door on the left-hand side for easy ingress/egress by senior citizens and others needing assistance.

The Serena Personal Chair Cab comes with a lift that enables wheelchair users to enter the vehicle and travel in their chairs. It is equipped with an automatic two-piece chair lift and tie-downs for securing a wheelchair.

Price Range
The Serena Kitakitsune is priced nationwide between 2,110,000 yen and 2,680,000 yen, the Serena Enchante between 2,184,000 yen and 3,432,000 yen, and the Serena Personal Chair Cab between 2,997,000 yen to 3,517,000 yen.