After more than 7 years of being on sale in Malaysia, it appears that Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) could be phasing out the C27 Nissan Serena, as the new C28 Nissan Serena has been spotted again.
Thanks to Weng Ng on the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group, we have a closer look at what Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) could be offering in the near future.
This particular unit, finished in Gun Metallic, has its logos completely taped up, though the window line and rear-end are unmistakably the Serena. Additionally, the W/TP 1480 trade plate belongs to ETCM, as said trade plate was previously seen on the N18 Almera and J32 Teana.
The presence of the taped-up emblem on the bottom right corner of the tailgate also hints at the possibility of the e-Power powertrain lurking under the bonnet; regular 2.0-litre variants omit that particular emblem.
What is the C28 Nissan Serena
The C28 Nissan Serena is the sixth-generation model of Nissan’s popular MPV, having made its global debut in Japan back in November 2022.
Over the course of its lifespan, the C28 Serena has entered several ASEAN markets, including Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand – all sourced from Nissan’s plant in Fukuoka.
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For the Malaysian market, it’s likely that the C28 Serena would be locally-assembled (CKD) at ETCM’s plant in Serendah, mirroring the arrangement since the introduction of the facelifted C26 Serena back in 2014.
As for powertrain, there is a possibility for the e-Power powertrain to be offered here – a first for the Serena. Past generations of the Serena offered the S-Hybrid system, which isn’t offered on the C28 Serena. The e-Power system features a new 1.4-litre petrol engine hooked up to an electric motor, outputting 120 kW (163 PS) and 315 Nm of torque.
Furthermore, per JPJ data, ETCM registers a steady number of Nissan Kicks monthly, hinting that Malaysian customers are gradually warming up to the e-Power powertrain.
Watch: 2025 Nissan Kicks e-POWER FIRST DRIVE in Malaysia /// 日產的黑科技來了
If and when the C28 Serena arrives here, this C-segment MPV would be one of the more affordable hybrid MPVs on offer, thus creating its own niche in a very competitive segment.