Nissan Serena

The Nissan Serena started life as a very small people carrier, but grew larger over time. Earlier versions were FR with a live axle mounted on leaf springs. Later versions had a multilink independent rear suspension, and were FF or 4WD. The most popular versions were the 2.3 diesel engines and it was unusual as the MPV had 8 seats instead of the usual 7. However it comes 6th in the "Crap Cars" book written by Richard Porter in association with Top Gear due to the boring interior and the 0-60 mph time of 20.61 seconds, compared to 12 for a typical family car .

MkI (1991-1999)

Mid-90's Nissan Serena

These versions had 1.6 and 2.0 petrol or 2.3 diesel engines. Trim levels were LX, SLX, SGX and SGXi. Until around 2002 the standard petrol engine was an SR20DE. In the early nineties, Nissan produced a version with the turbocharged SR20DET to carry people very rapidly.^[1] From 2002 onwards the Serena used the QR20DE and QR25DE. A variety of other engines were used over the years, including diesels specifically the CD20 (for commercial van version) and the CD20T 1973 cc Diesel Turbo for people movers.
Models were manufactured in Japan from 1991 onwards, many have now been imported into Australasia and the United Kingdom. Nissan produced many different versions FX, SX etc. Full-Auto (full time) 4WD versions were also produced providing greater stability and better handling. The 2.3 non turbo diesel was never manufactured for the Japanese market and its seating arrangement and interior fittings are not the same as the 2.0 petrol (SR20DE), 2.0 Diesel (CD20) and Turbo Diesel (CD20T) models manufactured in Japan for the local market.

MkII (1999-2005)

2nd generation

These versions had a facelift with a wider variety of engines and colours.

MkIII (2005- )

3rd generation

This model is also sold as the Suzuki Landy in Japan

Notes

1. ^ Shields, Jeremy et al. (2006). High Performance Imports 67. Express Motoring Publications, 106.