Nissan Serena C23M 2.0 16V (126 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 169 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~12 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 13 s). The top speed reaches 170 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.

2.0 16V (126 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A well-balanced petrol engine, offering a good compromise between performance and efficiency for a variety of driving conditions.

Fuel Economy

Achieves slightly better fuel economy than the 140 Hp variant while still delivering respectable power.

Best Use Case: Mixed 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:

General:
Brand:Nissan
Model:Serena
Generation:C23M
Modification (Engine):2.0 16V (126 Hp)
Start of production:1992
End of production:2000
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:8
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:126 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:63.1 Hp/l
Torque:169 Nm @ 4800 rpm.
Engine displacement:1998
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:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13 sec
Maximum speed:170 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.9 kg/Hp, 84.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.9 kg/Nm, 113 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1496
Max. weight:2075
Max load:579
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:620 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:350 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4315 mm mm
Width:1710 mm mm
Height:1835 mm mm
Wheelbase:2735 mm mm
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
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/70R14
Wheel rims size6J x 14
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

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