Model Update

What’s possibly the best big car on the market – all things considered? I reckon I would have to put the latest Nissan Maxima right up there as the top contender because it’s quite a car.

Outstanding value for money is the first reason why the new Nissan Maxima should be the number one car. Absolutely loaded with kit; and I mean loaded, because who else offers as much kit, a roomy interior, leather seats and Xenon headlights for well under $40k?

If you get the chance to sweep your mates up in a Maxima, you’ll appreciate just how roomy the seating is – and those seats are incredibly comfortable. Luxury items are aplenty – just check out the climate air controls, the electric windows and mirrors, powerful audio system, bluetooth communications, MP3 compatibility, USB connection, electrically adjustable front seats, airbags all over the place, 17-inch alloys, so many dynamic safety features and a wonderfully smooth V6 engine that loves to accelerate.

One of the joys in driving the new Nissan Maxima is that the CVT transmission provides very smooth delivery, and with up to 185 kW the car is a grunty performer.

Who said the Japanese can’t produce cars with genuine class and flair? Today’s Nissan cars have come a long way from the Datsuns that are now associated with hoons and blue smoke.

The new Nissan Maxima is beautiful in its design and boasts graceful lines from every angle, ready to capture the onlooker’s attention. Truly exuding one of the freshest and most pleasant looks in modern car design, the purposeful Nissan Maxima nose and the sweeping roof line complement the power and effortless performance that the driver enjoys from within.

Worthy of noting; the Nissan Maxima VQ35 engine has, over the years, been voted one of the world’s best engines by Wards Autoworld. The all aluminium 3.5 litre Quadcam 24 valve V6 engine has been a superbly reliable and smooth unit. Latest output ratings will depend on the V6 that sits under the bonnet. Check out both the variants before you buy because the Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L is a very good car, indeed. At the heart of the ST-L is a 134 kW DOHC V6 which is creamy smooth and effortless in power. Where the 228 Nm of torque is strongest is right where you need it the most – in the mid range – hence the cars ability of kicking down smartly and swiftly passing the slower cars makes the ST-L version very easy to live with. If you have all the time in the world, then the car is such a nice cruiser. It will happily tick over going about its business without fuss. The comfortable seating and roomy cabin make for great long travel.

Move to the VQ35, and power takes a hike. Both the Nissan Maxima 350 ST-S and Nissan Maxima 350 Ti boast one of the smoothest power plants around. An all-aluminium VQ35 DOHC motor competently delivers power at every moment. There is plenty of torque, with 326 Nm @ 4400 rpm giving great flexibility. Even lower down in the rev range there is plenty right foot muscle, waiting for the prod.

Geniuses at Nissan have created an Xtronic Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission to go with all three models. The beauty of this transmission – and it is probably the best CVT available – is that you have a manual mode for those that like to feel totally in control of the power application every now and then. Take a little hint from me: for what you pay, this is quite a luxury machine that has the ability to feel plenty sporty enough. At the front, the independent struts with a stabiliser bar work in unison with the speed sensitive hydraulic power steering. At the rear the car tracks nicely and boasts a well sorted independent suspension with a stabiliser bar to hold the body roll to a minimum. The end result is a cushioned ride that can hold its own easily when pushed harder. Good levels of grip provide the driver with plenty of confidence, and the Maxima feels safe on the road.

Of course, the 250 ST-L version of the Nissan Maxima is the less expensive version but does come standard with leather upholstery and brushed aluminium or wood veneer interior accents as well as all the conveniences you’d expect in a top-end large sedan. Such items include: 12-volt power outlets, cup-holders front and back, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, cruise control with steering wheel mounted buttons, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way adjustable front passenger seat, MP3 compatibility, steering wheel audio controls, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, courtesy lights with interior logic and even rear passenger reading lights.

You’ll note that the Nissan Maxima 350 ST-S has all that the 250 ST-L has. What it gains is the bigger engine, a reversing camera and intelligent keyless entry which become standard features.

It’s all laid on for the Nissan Maxima 350 Ti. Even the audio system is upgraded to an awesome Bose system which has the indash 6-CD changing feature. Exquisite tones come from the premium Dolby surround sound eleven speaker system with two woofers. Of course, any of the new Nissan Maximas easily seat three adults in the back – rather than the average 2.5 that leaves everyone squashed.

The makers of the Nissan Maxima have not neglected the safety features, either. Fully equipped with ABS braking to keep you out of trouble, and should you get into trouble (not your fault, of course!), the active head restraints in the front, driver and front passenger airbags to the front and side are at the ready. Front to rear curtain airbags are also standard.

All five seatbelts are three-pointers, and the front seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters. And if you choose the Nissan Maxima as a family vehicle, the child safety locks on the rear doors will provide some added peace of mind.

Driving the Nissan Maxima with verve puts a smile on the face. It will grow wider the longer you drive it. Owning it over a long period of time is no hardship either because this is one of the most robust 3.5-litre engines around. You are on to a winner. The Nissan Maxima is one of the best vehicles from Japan.

The current model series includes the:

• Maxima 250 ST-L
• Maxima 350 ST-L
• Maxima Ti

For any more information on the Nissan Maxima, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Nissan dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

Back to Nissan Car Reviews