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Nissan Serena C23M 1.6 16V (97 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 132 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.3 l/100km). With a weight of 1396 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 17.9 s). The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. With seating for 8, it’s perfect for larger families.
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.
1.6 16V (97 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
An entry-level petrol engine, providing adequate power for city driving but feeling strained on highways, especially with a full load.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is reasonable for its power output, offering a slightly more economical petrol option than the 2.0L engines.
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: 1992 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Nissan |
| Model: | Serena |
| Generation: | C23M |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 16V (97 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1993 |
| End of production: | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Minivan |
| Seats: | 8 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 97 Hp @ 5600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 60.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 132 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1597 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 76 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.4 kg/Hp, 69.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.6 kg/Nm, 94.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 17 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1396 |
| Max. weight: | 2100 |
| Max load: | 704 |
| 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: | 1840 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2735 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1490 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1460 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
If you could change one thing about the Nissan Serena, what would it be?