(November 9, 2010) YOKOHAMA, Japan — So what is Nissan doing for the Japanese market?

This month the automaker is releasing an all new version of the Serena MPV. The fourth generation Serena, for several years the most popular minivan in Japan,  goes on sale on Nov. 29.

Pricing will start at $26,600, and fully loaded will come in at $34,000.

It's new direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine is estimated to get the equvilant of 38 miles to the gallon.

A new idling stop system will turn off the engine when the car comes to a stop contributing to the low fuel consumption. Serena is equipped with considerable safety equipment, including Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, and Auto Speed Control.

Since its launch in June 1991 through the current third-generation model, the Serena has been acclaimed by customers, especially families, for its roomy comfortable cabin, great drivability and versatile seat configurability. It has achieved the No.1 position in minivan sales in Japan for three consecutive years, from 2007 to 2009, as well as surpassing one million in cumulative units sales in Japan this past February, making it an enduring bestseller since introduction.

The Serena is relatively small based on North American minivan standards, measuring 186 inches in length with a 106-inch wheelbase. It weighs in at around 3,500 pounds.