Nissan Serena C23M 2.3 D (75 Hp) Automatic


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 26.5 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) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The automatic transmission further dulls the already modest performance of the diesel engine, resulting in very slow acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Maintains decent fuel economy, but the performance penalty for the automatic gearbox is significant.

Best Use Case: City / Leisurely driving

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) Automatic
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:26.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:26.5 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:25.2 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 gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
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

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