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03/02/2012
REVIEW By DEREK OGDEN
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Innovative technology has been added to the Nissan Maxima sedan, making it safer for occupants all round, without any increase in sticker price.
The top-or-the-range Maxima 350 Ti (the test car) has added Nissan’s new adaptive front lighting system, which automatically turns on low beam depending on how fast the vehicle is travelling and adjusts the beam pattern in line with steering input, compensating for the curvature of the road.
The left hand low beam also illuminates the proposed direction of travel when the vehicle is stopped at a crossroad, based on which direction the turn indicator is operating.
Maxima 350 Ti also introduces a camera on the passenger side mirror that allows the driver to see the front left side of the vehicle – often a blind spot – via the satellite navigation monitor. This is a big help when parking and for picking out small objects. It can be turned on and off via a button on the centre console.
Then there’s the ‘intelligent’ rear sunshade that can be raised at the flick of a switch, adding to the protection of rear-seat passengers from harsh sunlight. The shade automatically retracts when reverse gear is selected, increasing visibility.
Other variants have not been left out. The entry-level Maxima 250 ST-L and mid-range 350 ST-S models now get a new, fully integrated Bluetooth hands-free system with steering wheel controls.
Stylish curves and creases copy the European look. The front is dominated by a chrome radiator grille made up of three horizontal slats in the centre of which sits an oversize Nissan badge. Vertically mounted xenon headlamps flank the set-up.
A sloping bonnet and raked windscreen continue through the roof arc right to the boot. A chrome strip traverses the doors, leading to a sculpted rear lamp combination on either side of the ‘pinched in’ rear.
Exterior rear-view mirrors were wind-tunnel tested to minimise noise and carry built-in turn indicator lights.
Features, including the rear spoiler and alloy wheels, were designed exclusively for the market Down Under by Nissan Australia product planners.
The Maxima 250 ST-L is powered by a 2.5-litre version of Nissan’s award-winning VQ V6 engine, producing 134 kW. Mated with new continuously variable automatic transmission, the maker says fuel consumption is a competitive 9.5 litres per 100 km on the combined urban/highway cycle. Priced at $33,990, it comes with a long list of quality standard equipment including Xenon headlights, LED taillights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
A spacious interior is imbued with touches of luxury, including black leather upholstery, dual zone climate control air-conditioning and a six-stack CD player with AUX-in and MP3 compatibility.
The driver has no excuse for being uncomfortable, enjoying an eight-way power seat with lumbar adjustment – there’s a four-way power adjustment for the front passenger – and push-button engine start/stop.
Safety features such as six airbags, including curtain airbags, active front headrests, and ABS anti-skid braking with vehicle dynamic stability control are in attendance, while the company’s new D platform incorporates improvements in ride and handling, and noise, vibration and harshness.
The mid-range 3.5-litre powered 350 ST-S version adds rear parking sensors, rear boot spoiler, keyless entry and heated front seats. It is priced at $37,990.
The top of the range Maxima Ti model adds DVD satellite navigation with 3D mapping, a seven-inch full colour touchscreen, DVD player, reversing camera with guidelines and an 11-speaker premium Bose audio system with auxiliary MP3 player input jack.
Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone technology is also included, controlled by steering wheel buttons, and the package is topped off by an electric glass slide and tilt sunroof. The Nissan Maxima 350 Ti is priced at $46,990.
The sedan is powered by a reworked version of the acclaimed VQ35DE series 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 185kW of power – up 15kW on the outgoing model – matched with the Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission with six-speed manual mode.
At idle, the motor is whisper quiet, the rev counter almost the only sign of life under the bonnet. Pedal response is immediate, and even under urging, engine noise is far from intrusive in the passenger cabin. The CVT also quietly goes through its business and in manual mode gearshifts are hardly discernible.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Maxima 250 ST-L 2.5-litre four-door sedan: $33,990 (automatic)
Maxima 350 ST-S 3.5-litre four-door sedan: $37,990 (automatic)
Maxima 350 Ti 3.5-litre four-door sedan: $46,990 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer charges. Contact any Nissan dealer for driveaway prices.
ENGINE
Type: 3.5-litre DOHC, continuously variable valve timing
Cylinders: V6, four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 3498 cc
Bore/stroke: 95.5 x 81.4 mm
Compression ratio: 10.3:1
Maximum power: 185 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum torque: 325 Nm @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
Xtronic continuously variable automatic with 6-speed manual mode
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4850 mm
Width: 1795 mm
Height: 1485 mm
Wheelbase: 2765 mm
Track Width: 1550 (front), 1555 mm (rear)
Ground Clearance: 115 mm
Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
Gross Vehicle Mass: 2080 kg
Boot Capacity: 506 litres
Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
Towing Capacity: 750 kg (1200 kg with braked trailer)
RUNNING GEAR
Suspension: (front) Independent struts with stabiliser bar. (rear) Multilink independent with stabiliser bar
Brakes, front/rear: Discs ventilated ABS, Brake Assist, Emergency Brake Distribution, Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control.
Steering: Speed sensitive hydraulic rack-and-pinion
Wheels (front/rear): Light alloy. 17 x 7J ten spoke
Tyres (front/rear): 215/55R17 94V
Spare Wheel: Full size
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Fuel Type: Petrol 95RON
Fuel Consumption (combined cycle): 10.2 litres/100 km, CO2 emissions 243 g/km
GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:
Greenhouse Rating: 5/10
Air Pollution Rating: 6.5/10
WARRANTY
Three years, 100,000 km
Three yeara 24-hour roadside assistance |
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