The Nissan Serena is a five-door minivan manufactured by Nissan Motor Company, joining the slightly larger Nissan Vanette. The car was engineered by Nissan's Aichi Manufacturing Division and launched in 1991 as compact passenger van, and it grew larger with each generation over the years. Earlier versions were front engine, rear-wheel drive layout with a live axle mounted on leaf springs. Later versions had a multilink independent rear suspension, and were front-wheel drive or 4WD. The most popular version was the 2.3 diesel engine version and it was unusual in that it had eight seats instead of the expected seven. It is a "junior" model to the Nissan Elgrand in Japan; it 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.