Nissan Serena Reviews

BYD tried to buy a share of Renault in a dramatic shot at a foothold in Europe, according to a new report in French media outlet Les Echos.According to the publication, BYD sought not just a joint production or factory deal, as Chery has secured in some locations with Renault’s partner Nissan, but actual ownership in the French giant as a shareholder.The deal didn’t work out under former CEO Luca de Meo, who was famous for guiding a re-structure of the previously dysfunctional Renault Nissan Alliance.According to several outlets, this was because Renault had already entered into an agreement with Geely to save its ailing Korean factory (formerly the Renault Samsung Motors factory), which now produces both Renaults and Polestars for Asian markets.Geely and Renault also co-own Horse Powertrain with Saudi Aramco, a spin-off of both company’s combustion engine divisions, which builds both engines and hybrid transmissions for future models both inside those two companies and for sale to other manufacturers outside of them.When BYD had a second crack at a Renault deal, it was turned down with involvement from French president Emmanuel Macron, with the government controlling 30 per cent of Renault voting shares and fiercely protective over its manufacturing footprint on the continent.The key benefit for BYD in this deal was obviously a way to avoid a tough tariff structure for Chinese built cars in Europe, while Renault would have access to its signature affordable Blade batteries, which it already sells to other manufacturers Tesla, KGM and Hyundai Group.Renault’s rejection of a BYD ownership stake won’t be a fatal blow for the Chinese giant in Europe. BYD already has a factory in Hungary and is seeking to establish a second base, with many analysts believing it will be in Spain and possible locations also including France and Germany.BYD needs such a foothold as it seeks new global opportunities off the back of a shrinking new car market in China over the course of 2026, and major profitability issues for even some of the biggest groups after a bruising domestic price war.

One of the most influential small SUVs of recent times is also one of the most underrated in Australia – the Nissan Qashqai e-Power. A plugless range-extender EV, this British designed, engineered and built crossover melds premium quality and practical sophistication with slick performance and low fuel consumption. Massive in Europe, the Qashqai deserves a much stronger following here.

When is a car no longer a car?That’s a good question, as you’d initially think that a car needs four wheels, some seats and a steering wheel.Dig deeper and a car may only require three wheels, one seat and perhaps no steering wheel whatsoever. There’s a lot of flux to the definition of a car.The steering wheel point is particularly controversial as if there is no steering wheel, you’re technically not driving anymore and are a passenger. Therefore I’d argue this isn’t necessarily a car anymore and merely a shuttle for transportation.This feeling arose when I experienced Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software for the first time late last year.This was in a Model 3 electric sedan which can be fundamentally defined as a car. It has four wheels, five seats and a steering wheel.You’re also able to drive the Model 3 like a regular car, but with the push of a button it drives itself. Sure, you need to supervise it and take back control if it starts heading in the wrong direction, but for the most part you aren’t touching the steering wheel or pedals.It’s a bizarre sensation handing over all the driving inputs, especially when it can tackle complex scenarios like roundabouts, traffic lights and the infamous hook turns in Melbourne.The technology will likely reach a point where a steering wheel is no longer needed. Tesla is already planning for this with its Cybercab autonomous vehicle.Although production versions of the Cybercab have already started to be produced, they are in small numbers for testing purposes. It’s unclear when they’ll be publicly available for purchase.Tesla is far from the only company developing autonomous driving technology. I was recently a passenger in an autonomously driven Nissan Ariya in Japan. The technology to allow this has been developed in partnership with Wayve, which also has a partnership with Stellantis.Nissan is currently aiming to begin a robotaxi service with these autonomous vehicles in Japan by the end of 2026. It’s also eventually aiming to roll the technology out to customer vehicles as an optional extra.Additionally, Waymo is already operating an autonomous robotaxi service in select cities in the US. There are also plans to introduce it in the UK and Japan.Ultimately the goal with this kind of autonomous or self-driving technology is to have a lounge room on wheels. In some respects we are already there.In the era of software-defined vehicles, many cars now revolve around the central touchscreen multimedia system and the experience they provide. Arguably for some carmakers there is more emphasis on this and the actual driving experience is secondary.In some respects this is warranted as in electric vehicles (EVs) you may be spending your time in the car while it’s charging at a public charger but at the end of the day it’s a car, not a lounge room.Going back to Tesla, the main interface in its current vehicle line-up is the central touchscreen. It dominates the dashboard and you’re required to use it to adjust virtually function.There are also so many novelty and convenience features that span beyond the driving experience. Think of the games you can play while you’re parked, the light show and the comical fart noises you can get the car to play.The list goes on and for many carmakers, especially newer Chinese ones, it seems like a heavier focus is being put on features like this, or services relating to the touchscreen, than the overall driving experience.As a result, it feels like some cars are more glorified iPads with flashy lights on wheels.I know that many people can’t function without technology now and in many respects it’s critical to many areas of cars, particularly safety, however at the end of the day a car is meant to be driven.It would be lovely to see a renewed interest in how a car actually is to drive compared to how flashy and cool its technology is. I’d argue this is wishful thinking though, especially given autonomous vehicles appear closer on the horizon every day.

Two of Japan’s biggest car manufacturers are edging closer to a game-changing team-up, and it could have huge implications for Australia. Honda Chief Executive Officer Toshihiro Mibe has told shareholders the brand is in final talks with Nissan to collaborate on key software information. The deal was described as a “win-win relationship” by Mibe.It will see the pair share electronic control units (ECU) responsible for in-vehicle systems and autonomous driving, among other things.The standardisation of ECUs will form the basis of the brands’ next-generation vehicles, many of which could be on their way to Australia in the coming years. These ECUs would also be used in future Mitsubishi vehicles as Nissan maintains a sizeable stake in the carmaker. Next-generation electrified cars are increasingly important in markets like Australia where there are now fines for high emitting engines, but neither Honda or Nissan offer substantial EV lineups Down Under and have been slower to roll-out affordable hybrids across their range compared to some rivals. Honda recently backtracked on its global EV plans and will instead focus on a hybrid strategy.The Super-One city car, due later this year, is the only confirmed electric offering from the brand.Nissan has more comprehensive EV model lineup, but it has just one EV on sale in Australia, which is its Ariya mid-size SUV.A collaboration between Honda and Nissan could provide the impetus required to produce more future electrified cars for markets like Australia.There are still issues for the brands to iron out, including development funds, but it looks like an agreement is not too far away, according to Nikkei Asia. It could be reached within the next few weeks, meaning the technology could be in cars before the end of the decade.This is all contingent on Nissan convincing Renault, as the French brand holds a 15 per cent voting stake in its alliance partner. Renault has previously presented a roadblock to Nissan, halting talks over a merger in the past.News of a partnership between Honda and Nissan comes as they struggle to stave off the increasing power of Chinese carmakers in global markets.Nissan President Ivan Espinosa recently said carmakers needed to learn from China."China is as of now setting the industry standards of the future in terms of technology, in terms of cost competitiveness and in terms of development time," Espinosa told Nikkei Asia.Chinese brands have formed relationships with mainstream carmakers to collaborate on products and technology. This collaboration has seen many of China’s carmakers surge up the sales charts across the world.Nissan has developed a strong relationship with Chinese brand Dongfeng over the years, mainly focussing on China-based models.It recently spawned the Nissan Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute, which is expected to be known as the Navara Pro when it arrives in Australia, likely next year. Honda hopes some type of collaboration in its deal with Nissan will get it back on track as it looks to overturn heavy financial losses. "We will internalise the means to beat emerging forces within three years," Mibe said. "If we don't, our four-wheel business will be in trouble. We will face this challenge with unwavering determination."Honda has its own relationship with Chinese carmaker GAC, but this venture has been embattled in recent years, thanks to a bruising price war in the Chinese domestic market, which has seen it sell cars at a loss.It has raised doubts that the GAC/Honda joint venture will continue after its renewal date comes due in 2028. The two brands have been partners for nearly 30 years.

Fuel prices in Australia are about to rise again. The federal government has announced the Fuel Excise cut will continue at a lower rate until the start of August.The original 50 per cent discount equated to 32 cents per litre off fuel prices, but this was due to end on the 30th of June.The government will now extend a smaller discount of 16 cents per litre until the 2nd of August. This announcement means fuel prices will increase across the board in addition to any other fluctuations from external factors. A 16 cent increase will see diesel fuel prices increase back above the $2 per litre mark across the country, having been more than $3 per litre at times over the past few months. The diesel-powered Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux utes remain two of the best-selling cars in Australia.E10 petrol will also creep up towards the $2 point as a result of this decreased discount. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not ruled out further extensions to the Fuel Excise discount in the future if circumstances require it. "Of course we do live in a volatile world. Were there to be a massive global shock, my government will always respond,” Mr Albanese told Sky News. The news comes as rumours of an end to the Iran war heat up, with the conflict being the key driver of high fuel prices. There is still no freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz - the key gateway for many ships carrying oil globally.It has seen electric vehicle uptake in Australia soar, with budget Chinese options like the Jaecoo J5 EV and Geely EX5 growing by more than 200 per cent between May and June 2026. Tesla experienced a record-breaking month in May, shifting 6433 units - its highest sales number since the Electric Vehicle Council started collecting data. The government will also increase the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge to 16 cents per litre, with it being free since April. 

Nissan's fifth-generation Navara is essentially a thinly disguised Mitsubishi Triton but does it have enough differentiation from its donor to stand alone as a genuine rival?

Nissan’s new mighty 4WD is a step closer to Australia.The Japanese brand revealed production of the current Nissan Y62 Patrol will cease in August, with the Aussie-tuned Premcar versions wrapping up soon after.This draws to a close the Patrol’s V8 era, with the Y62’s 5.6-litre eight-cylinder petrol unit to be replaced by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol making 317kW and 700Nm, or 19kW and 140Nm more than before.“The Patrol has been a constant presence in Australian motoring, and the Y62 has played a defining role in that legacy. Its 5.6-litre V8 is part of what has made this generation so beloved by enthusiasts, families and adventurers alike,” said Nissan Oceania Managing Director Steve Milette. “As we look ahead to the all-new to Australia Y63 later this year, the run-out of the Y62 represents a genuine ‘last chance’ moment for Australians who want to add a new V8 Patrol to their garage.”The move to a twin-turbo unit follows the Toyota LandCruiser, which ditched its V8 diesel for a twin-turbo V6 unit when it switched from 200 to 300 Series several years ago.The last V8 Nissan Patrol is likely to draw similar levels of demand to the final LandCruiser 200 Series models, where buyers were quickly on-selling for huge profits.The Y63 Patrol is built on a new platform and is bigger in almost every way. It is now 5205mm long (+35mm), 2030mm wide (+35mm), though the 1955m height remains unchanged.It’s also bigger in the third row, thanks to the rear section and boot being 30 per cent wider than in the Y62.It’s got some hi-tech suspension too, with the new Intelligent Dynamic Suspension system complete with air suspension that can give you another 7cm of lift. This also helps improve approach and departure angles when tackling properly tough terrain.The Y63 Patrol has already been on sale in left-hand-drive markets such as the US and Middle East for some time, but Australia is claimed to be one of the first right-hand-drive countries to get the new model when it arrives late this year.The Y63 Patrol will face a new breed of enemies when it lands.The scope of the large 4WD market has grown beyond the LandCruiser 300 Series to include the Denza B8 plug-in hybrid and incoming models such as the GWM Tank 700 plug-in hybrid and Geely Battleship 700.

Nissan has launched a new small SUV in Japan that has previously been off limits and it could make its way to Australia.The Nissan Kicks is now being produced in right-hand drive in Japan for the domestic market. It’s also produced in Mexico and Brazil for North and South America, respectively.Given Japan is a right-hand drive market, this theoretically makes an Australian launch for the Kicks a step easier.There’s even more merit as the related Juke small SUV has been discontinued in Australia.Additionally, the new-generation, all-electric Juke is European-focused and not coming to Australia.This makes Nissan’s smallest model in Australia the Qashqai, which is now only offered with an e-Power hybrid powertrain.The most affordable Nissan model now locally is the entry-level X-Trail ST 2WD at $38,140 before on-road costs.“Nissan Australia continuously evaluates vehicles from across our global portfolio for the Australian market; however, we have no announcements to make regarding future product plans at this time,” said a Nissan Australia spokesperson.In Japan the Kicks features a new, third-generation e-Power hybrid powertrain, like the Qashqai. It’s available in either single-motor front-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive forms.All versions have a 1.4-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that acts purely as a generator to top up the battery pack.This second-generation version of the Kicks is much more upmarket than the previous version and features more American-like design cues.Inside there are dual 12.3-inch screens that are integrated into a singular housing and run on Google Built-in.Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, as well as a surround-view camera.

Japan is getting serious about car battery recycling. The Japanese government has drafted a report outlining a policy that would require carmakers to collect used electric vehicle batteries, according to AutoNews.Ministries will "consider policy solutions and timing for the establishment of a recycling system” for EV batteries.Battery recycling initiatives have gathered steam globally in recent years as e-waste becomes a bigger consideration. There will be more EV batteries degrading and becoming unusable as the numbers of EVs on the road increases.Car batteries are often only covered by eight-year warranties, leaving questions to what happens to them after this time.Batteries cannot be recycled in the conventional way because they often contain toxic chemicals, requiring an extensive process to disassemble them safely.Opportunities for recycling car batteries have increased significantly as carmakers and governments seek solutions to the issue. There is already a voluntary scheme in Japan, where up to 22 carmakers participate in collecting used EV batteries, including Toyota and BYD.AutoNews said roughly 13,000 batteries were recovered through the initiative in the 2024 financial year.Japan will use battery recycling initiatives to move away from heavy reliance on rare resource imports.Japan isn't the only place where battery recycling is being pushed.There are increasingly stringent European Union regulations that set recycling mandates for all companies.Under the EU Battery Regulation, there are stricter year-on-year recycling targets. In 2030, 70 per cent of lithium-based batteries must be recycled. Lithium batteries are commonly used in electric cars, so Europe’s rules are designed to directly target the car battery issue. EV batteries and the materials in them can be used for other purposes and are capable of forming part of home set-ups or powering alliances and tools.In Australia, Nissan is using nine NMC batteries from its first generation Leaf small car to power elements of its Victorian part manufacturing plant.Importantly these batteries have not undergone an extensive refurbishment process, meaning their repurposing is cheaper than conventional recycling choices. NMC batteries are more likely to be the target of recycling initiatives than lithium-based alternatives because they contain more rare and expensive metals. 

Nissan is going all in on studying the Chinese car industry textbook.The Japanese juggernaut has admitted China’s cars are setting the standard for development and it needs to learn from them.It’s no secret Chinese carmakers are taking over globally, including Australia.BYD, Chery, GWM and MG all find themselves inside the top 10 best-selling brands for 2026 Down Under. Models such as the Chery Tiggo 4 and Jaecoo J5 small SUVs, as well as the BYD Shark 6 ute, have shot up the sales charts over the past 18 months. China-sourced cars recently overtook Japan as the biggest sellers in the Australian market, in what was a watershed moment for the car industry. Cheap prices and fast product development have seen one of Japan’s biggest names open up the Chinese carmaker textbook.Nissan hopes taking a closer look at how China operates in the car industry will cultivate significantly improved development times and better leveraging of artificial intelligence. "China is as of now setting the industry standards of the future in terms of technology, in terms of cost competitiveness and in terms of development time," Nissan President Ivan Espinosa told Nikkei Asia. Espinosa also said the brand’s next steps were "to learn from China and export know-how from China”.Chinese manufacturers have cornered the market when it comes to affordable and quickly-developed new cars.In an economic environment where cost of living is so high, cheap cars have become increasingly more desirable. The technological innovation on these models has left China’s car industry in an even stronger position compared to legacy brands. BYD’s Shark 6 is an example of this innovation. It fitted a plug-in hybrid set-up to a ute in a segment dominated by diesel, with the rest of the pack now attempting to replicate it. The Shark 6 also integrates the high-voltage battery into the chassis as opposed to fitting it somewhere where it would take up cabin or storage space - another example of innovative thinking. Nissan already has a joint-venture partnership with Dongfeng and produces the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute, expected to come to Australia soon as the Navara Pro.There is a range of other China-developed Nissan EVs that are expected to be on the cards for Australia.Reports also suggest Nissan will invite Chery to build cars in its Wearside, England factory as it downsizes manufacturing activities.It’s not just Nissan asking for help from China.Mazda has partnered with Changan, which also builds Deepal vehicles sold in Australia.Mazda is using the Chinese brand's electric car platforms for its coming 6e and CX-6e sedan and SUV.