 It is a "junior" model to the Nissan Elgrand in Japan; its name is from the Latin word ""serēnus"", meaning "clear, tranquil, pleasant" and offers a minivan approach in comparison to the Nissan Lafesta which is an MPV.The Serena is designed to comply with Japanese vehicle class, which means its external dimensions are restricted to 4.7 m in length and 1.7 m in width.Models were manufactured in Japan from 1991 onwards, and many were imported into Australasia and the United Kingdom.