When it comes to outright versatility, no passenger car can match the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). With a boxy shape, numerous seats, and a highly configurable interior, they are the ideal choice for families seeking a car that meets their mobility needs.

Many MPVs have either a seven or eight seats. If it's the former, then the layout is 2-2-3 (driver and front passenger, two captain's chairs, and the last row that seats three). The latter, on the other hand, would have a 2-3-3 layout, with the second and third row being bench-style seats that accommodate three occupants each.

But what if you want an MPV that lets you choose between seven OR eight seats? That's the question Nissan hopes to address with the Serena e-POWER Smart 8, which lets users easily vary the seating layout.

The Smart 8 solution isn't perfect, but it works as intended

How does Smart 8 work?

Nissan's innovation is that the middle portion of the second-row bench can be moved out of the way when it's not needed. You flip the backrest forward and slide the entire 'seat' so that it ends up between the front seats. In this mode, it acts like an armrest.

Now that there's a gap in the second row, it's easy for occupants to access the last row. This seven-seater layout is likely to be what most families need. And when you do need to ferry one more passenger, you redeploy the extra 'seat' after the third-row occupants are settled in the rear.

It's not perfect, of course. For one, the extra seat doesn't really work as an armrest because it doesn't slide all the way forwards. So, when the driver and front passenger try to rest their arms on it, their elbows end up on the storage tray, which isn't soft.

Secondly, a portion of the extra seat also juts rearwards when it is in 'armrest mode'. However, this is acceptable, because even with space constraints, there's still plenty of room between the second-row seats for occupants to move in and out of the third-row area.

Folding the extra seat makes ingress/egress to the third-row seats easy

Seamless progress

Apart from the Smart 8 innovation, there's no mechanical difference between this and the seven-seater model. That means you still get the unique e-POWER powertrain, which consists of a battery, electric motor, and 1.4-litre three-cylinder engine.

However, unlike in other hybrids, the engine here merely acts as a generator to help charge the lithium-ion battery. The front wheels are driven solely by the electric motor.

With the available digital rearview mirror, visibility won't be compromised when you have a full complement of passengers

The key advantage of e-POWER is that the car is electrically driven, making it smoother and more responsive than an internal combustion engine. Off the line, the Serena gets up to speed with minimal fuss and noise.

Acceleration is progressive and confidence-inspiring, for the MPV doesn't feel short of breath. There's no need to build revs or nail the right pedal to the floor - with 315Nm of torque, the Serena makes proceedings feel effortless.

The e-POWER system operates seamlessly, and the e-Pedal function makes driving in traffic easier

Complementing the quiet performance is the pliant ride. The Serena glides over surface imperfections and helps ensure occupants enjoy a cushy ride. It's these traits that make driving the Serena such a relaxing experience.

In fact, the Serena is one of the cars that several of us in the editorial team wouldn't mind driving at the end of a long day at the office. As much as we enjoy high-performance cars, we've often also said that an unruffled drive home is just as welcome.

A simple proposal

The Serena e-POWER Smart 8 offers the versatility of a seven or eight-seater layout. Its only downsides are that it doesn't work as an armrest when it's between the front seats, and a portion of it protrudes rearwards in this position.

Still, it's a useful and convenient way to accommodate an eighth passenger, while still providing access to the third-row seats. For those undecided between seven or eight seats, the Smart 8 suggests, "Why have one when you can have them both?"

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When it comes to outright versatility, no passenger car can match the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). With a boxy shape, numerous seats, and a highly configurable interior, they are the ideal choice for families seeking a car that meets their mobility needs.

Many MPVs have either a seven or eight seats. If it's the former, then the layout is 2-2-3 (driver and front passenger, two captain's chairs, and the last row that seats three). The latter, on the other hand, would have a 2-3-3 layout, with the second and third row being bench-style seats that accommodate three occupants each.

But what if you want an MPV that lets you choose between seven OR eight seats? That's the question Nissan hopes to address with the Serena e-POWER Smart 8, which lets users easily vary the seating layout.

The Smart 8 solution isn't perfect, but it works as intended

How does Smart 8 work?

Nissan's innovation is that the middle portion of the second-row bench can be moved out of the way when it's not needed. You flip the backrest forward and slide the entire 'seat' so that it ends up between the front seats. In this mode, it acts like an armrest.

Now that there's a gap in the second row, it's easy for occupants to access the last row. This seven-seater layout is likely to be what most families need. And when you do need to ferry one more passenger, you redeploy the extra 'seat' after the third-row occupants are settled in the rear.

It's not perfect, of course. For one, the extra seat doesn't really work as an armrest because it doesn't slide all the way forwards. So, when the driver and front passenger try to rest their arms on it, their elbows end up on the storage tray, which isn't soft.

Secondly, a portion of the extra seat also juts rearwards when it is in 'armrest mode'. However, this is acceptable, because even with space constraints, there's still plenty of room between the second-row seats for occupants to move in and out of the third-row area.

Folding the extra seat makes ingress/egress to the third-row seats easy

Seamless progress

Apart from the Smart 8 innovation, there's no mechanical difference between this and the seven-seater model. That means you still get the unique e-POWER powertrain, which consists of a battery, electric motor, and 1.4-litre three-cylinder engine.

However, unlike in other hybrids, the engine here merely acts as a generator to help charge the lithium-ion battery. The front wheels are driven solely by the electric motor.

With the available digital rearview mirror, visibility won't be compromised when you have a full complement of passengers

The key advantage of e-POWER is that the car is electrically driven, making it smoother and more responsive than an internal combustion engine. Off the line, the Serena gets up to speed with minimal fuss and noise.

Acceleration is progressive and confidence-inspiring, for the MPV doesn't feel short of breath. There's no need to build revs or nail the right pedal to the floor - with 315Nm of torque, the Serena makes proceedings feel effortless.

The e-POWER system operates seamlessly, and the e-Pedal function makes driving in traffic easier

Complementing the quiet performance is the pliant ride. The Serena glides over surface imperfections and helps ensure occupants enjoy a cushy ride. It's these traits that make driving the Serena such a relaxing experience.

In fact, the Serena is one of the cars that several of us in the editorial team wouldn't mind driving at the end of a long day at the office. As much as we enjoy high-performance cars, we've often also said that an unruffled drive home is just as welcome.

A simple proposal

The Serena e-POWER Smart 8 offers the versatility of a seven or eight-seater layout. Its only downsides are that it doesn't work as an armrest when it's between the front seats, and a portion of it protrudes rearwards in this position.

Still, it's a useful and convenient way to accommodate an eighth passenger, while still providing access to the third-row seats. For those undecided between seven or eight seats, the Smart 8 suggests, "Why have one when you can have them both?"

These reviews may also interest you

Cleverly packaged, and boasting extra edges over its peers both on the inside and on the move, the Stepwgn is a welcome addition to Honda's official stable

The Toyota Noah Hybrid pairs impressive efficiency with a cabin that will easily accommodate all the needs of your family