Every great motorsport weekend starts with a good drive, and for our trip up to Sepang for the Super GT race, we needed something that could keep up with both the distance and the demands of a packed weekend. Enter the Nissan Serena from Avis Singapore, a surprisingly perfect road trip companion.
Avis, our go-to choice
We are no strangers to Avis, having rented from them before, and each time, the experience keeps us coming back. The Havelock Road pick-up point is centrally located, and the handover was as seamless as ever. Quick, efficient and friendly – just what you want when you’re eager to hit the road.
This time, the Serena was our ride of choice, and it proved to be more than just a practical MPV. With four adults on board, plus a boot full of camera equipment, luggage and race weekend essentials, it still had space to spare. The interior is cavernous, with generous legroom and headroom, and cleverly designed storage compartments, trays, and buddy holes kept our road trip snacks, drinks and gear perfectly organised. No clutter, no chaos.
A Nissan Serena USP
One of the standout features that made loading and unloading especially convenient was the Serena’s dual-backdoor tailgate. It offers two ways to access the cargo area – a full-height tailgate for larger items, or a nifty rear windscreen hatch that opens independently. The smaller glass opening was convenient when parked in tight spaces or when we just needed to reach for a camera bag or snacks without opening the whole boot.
Driving the Serena felt more like gliding, thanks to its e-POWER hybrid system. It delivers an EV-like smoothness – quiet, refined and composed. The long highway stretches leading up to Sepang were tackled with ease, and the fuel economy impressed us, too. We averaged about 16 km/L, which is commendable for an MPV and not far off the official 17.5 km/L figure. That meant fewer fuel stops and more time soaking up the atmosphere in the race paddock.
Small features, big impact
A handy touch that came in particularly useful during petrol station dashes was the Capless Fuel Filler. There was no need to fiddle with a dirty fuel cap; simply plug in and pump. It’s a minor feature, but one that makes a noticeable difference.
Inside, the touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay was our command centre. Whether it was navigating to our hotel, playing race-day playlists or checking messages en route to the circuit, everything worked smoothly. Rear passengers also appreciated the charging outlets, which kept phones and cameras powered throughout the weekend. And with the built-in in-car camera system, we had extra peace of mind leaving the car parked while we were trackside enjoying the action.
Exceeding expectations
As far as support vehicles for a motorsport weekend go, the Serena exceeded expectations. It may not have been the loudest or fastest vehicle around Sepang that weekend, but it was certainly one of the most comfortable and capable.
With self-service kiosks coming soon to Avis Singapore, renting will become even more convenient. It is great to see a brand continually improving the customer journey with thoughtful technology.
Whether it is a family trip up north or a weekend to watch the races, the Nissan Serena from Avis Singapore delivered in every way. Fuss-free, practical and surprisingly refined, it’s the kind of car that lets you enjoy the drive as much as the destination.
Avis Singapore
390A Havelock Rd, #01-07 Waterfront Plaza, Singapore 169664
Phone: 9187 0515
https://www.avis.com.sg
