Nissan Serena C23M 2.3 D (75 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.9 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Nissan Serena:

The Nissan Serena is a minivan manufactured by Nissan, joining the slightly larger Vanette. The car was engineered by Nissan's Aichi Manufacturing Division and launched in 1991 as a compact passenger van, and it grew larger with each generation over the years. Earlier versions were front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with a live axle mounted on leaf springs, while the following generations are front-wheel drive or 4WD.
The Serena is designed to comply with Japanese vehicle class, which means its external dimensions are restricted to 4. 7 meters in length and 1. 7 meters in width. It slots below the larger Nissan Elgrand in Japan as a smaller, cheaper alternative. Competitors include the Toyota Noah, the Honda Stepwgn, and the Mitsubishi Delica....(Read more on Wikipedia)

C23M Overview:

Nissan Serena (C23M). With 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1496 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 23.5 s). The top speed reaches 135 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 8, it’s perfect for larger families.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Nissan Serena C23M was produced before Euro NCAP's widespread testing protocols for minivans. As such, no official rating is available, and safety features are basic by modern standards.

2.3 D (75 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers very modest performance, with slow acceleration best suited for relaxed driving and city environments.

Fuel Economy

Provides better fuel economy than petrol variants, making it a more economical choice for daily use despite its limited power.

Best Use Case: City / Utility

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and versatile 8-seat interior
  • • Available 4x4 options for varied conditions
  • • Generally reliable powertrains for the era
  • • Practical and functional design
  • • Good value as a used utility vehicle

Cons:

  • • Dated safety features by modern standards
  • • High fuel consumption on petrol engines
  • • Underpowered diesel options with slow acceleration
  • • Basic interior quality and amenities
  • • Ride comfort can be compromised by leaf spring rear suspension

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(C23M: 1993 - 2000).

General:
Brand:Nissan
Model:Serena
Generation:C23M
Modification (Engine):2.3 D (75 Hp)
Start of production:1995
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:8
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:75 Hp @ 4300 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:32.9 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:145 Nm @ 2300 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:LD23 More details about the engine LD23
Engine displacement:2283
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Engine layout:Middle, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:87 mm mm
Piston Stroke:96 mm mm
Compression ratio:22.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.6 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:23.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:23.5 sec
Maximum speed:135 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:19.9 kg/Hp, 50.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:10.3 kg/Nm, 96.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:22.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1496
Max. weight:2225
Max load:729
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:620 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:350 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4315 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1710 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1835 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2735 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1460 mm
Rear (Back) track:1450 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/70 R14
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Nissan Serena?