Here’s a car that I’ve been hang’n out for. We all know how good the Nissan Maxima 3.5 litre engine is (it holds ten awards for best V6 engine), however I have wondered how long it would be before Nissan would downsize the Maxima a few cc. Let’s find out just how good the all new Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L is.

Nissan’s build quality is of a high level. A quick glance over the exterior shows excellent fitting and finish. The shape is elegant and smooth, and the very curvy roofline is extremely aerodynamic. Certainly, the design team have created a very natural and fresh shape for the latest Nissan maxima. Mirroring the sleek shape, the headlights wrap around and hold a purposeful stare on the road ahead. Finishing the 215/55R17 94V tyres off are 17 x 7J ten spoke alloy wheels. Glittering silver alloys, a large glistening chrome grille and nicely proportioned round driving lights that are set into the low front air dam give the Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L a beautiful appearance. One would have to say that after hearing the relatively low price tag of the 250 ST-L, that this is a car you might expect to find in a higher price bracket. I would consider this a real Peugeot 407, Saab 9-5, BMW 5-series, Lexus and Mercedes E-Class competitor.

Here is the part that really intrigues me. What does lie under the Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L bonnet? Lifting up the bonnet clearly reveals a V6 motor, and the engine bay looks a very tidy piece of work. On paper, the Maxima ST-L has 134 kW available at 6000 rpm and a torque figure of 228 Nm at 4400 rpm. After an hour or two at the wheel, you find the engine to be extremely smooth and peppy. Excellent power, particularly on the open road, is a characteristic of the ST-L engine. The transmission on the Nissan maxima ST-L model is an Xtronic Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission with a 6-speed Manual Mode. The result is seamless acceleration that is quick and responsive – a trait of the CVT trannie, and also CVT simplicity and reliability.

Heading inside the car, and we find superior leg room for all passengers. The seats are beautifully plush in soft leather. One thing with the Nissan Maxima is that when they say five occupants they mean five occupants – not four and a half! Nissan has added the funky push button to start feature. And on a wickedly hot day, the Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L has a powerful dual zone automatic climate control air-conditioning unit with rear vents that works extremely well to keep the cabin temperature cool and balanced for all occupants. An eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way adjustable front passenger seat makes for incredibly relaxed touring, and if you love your sounds then the 250 ST-L is equipped with a six CD in-dash auto-changer with AM/FM radio, MP3/WMA capability and six speakers. The Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L has so many practical features that make it so incredibly nice to live with. We found the auxiliary jacks, the two front cup holders and the fold down rear seat armrest with integrated cup holders and boot access very usable.

Another nice feature, regarding the 250 ST-L, is the superior safety features. The vehicle boasts all the goodies, so you will find Vehicle Dynamic Control, a Traction Control System, a Nissan Anti-Theft System vehicle immobiliser, an Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist all part and parcel of the Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L package. Also equipped with driver and front passenger front-impact SRS airbags, driver and front passenger side-impact SRS airbags, front to rear SRS curtain airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, front active headrests, adjustable front headrests, adjustable rear headrests and three point ELR front and rear seatbelts, the vehicle is a safe choice. Other child friendly features make this a clear winner as a large family sedan.

Driving dynamics are good. Balanced and confident handling makes the Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L sedan a polished performer. Always ready to perform, it’s easy to spend half a day behind the wheel when the need arises.

This is a sound buy, and extremely good value for money. The Maxima 250 ST-L great looks make it a clear winner in its class.

The current model series includes the:

• Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L

For any more information on the Nissan Maxima 250 ST-L, 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 quote requests out to our national network of Nissan dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy.

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