Nissan Serena C23M 2.3 D 4X4 (75 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 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1620 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. 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.
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 4X4 (75 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The combination of low power and 4x4 drivetrain results in sluggish performance, suitable only for utility or very sedate driving.
Fuel Economy
Despite the 4x4 system, it still offers better fuel efficiency than petrol 4x4 options, but performance is severely compromised.
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 4X4 (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: | 26.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 26.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 135 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 21.6 kg/Hp, 46.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 11.2 kg/Nm, 89.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 25.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1620 |
| Max. weight: | 2100 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| 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: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/70 R14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |













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