Nissan introduces 'minimal' Maxima

Nissan has turned market perceptions upside down by revealing a 2.5-litre V6 will kick off the new J32 generation Maxima range. The importer is introducing the smaller-displacement engine at a lower price than the complementary variants with the 3.5-litre V6. As we reported earlier this year, the importer has to pull a rabbit out of the hat to regain the market share it lost during the downturn last year (more here).

At $33,990 for the '250 ST-L' variant, there's a $4000 saving over the 3.5-litre cars -- providing Nissan with a large car that can attract sales from the VFACTS medium-car segment. As a consequence, Nissan has a 'large car' that will compete for sales against the Toyota Camry, to use one example. Never mind that the Camry is a large car too, masquerading as a mid-sizer, or that both engines are within 100cm3 of each other, but one has six cylinders and the other four. That's the nature of the market...

"The new 2.5-litre V6 engine, the sharp pricing right in the heart of the four-cylinder market and the unprecedented high level of luxury features as standard, makes the Maxima 250 ST-L unbeatable," says Nissan Australia CEO, Dan Thompson.

"For a start, no one else in this market sector offers leather upholstery as standard. We are making four-cylinder large car customers an offer they can't afford to ignore in the Maxima ST-L."

Apart from the advantage of going downmarket in the current economic climate, Nissan has introduced the new entry-level variant for reasons of its fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. The 2.5-litre V6 develops 134kW of power and 228Nm of torque (at 4400rpm), but uses a four-cylinder-like 9.5L/100km in combined-cycle testing.

Upgraded for the new model, the 3.5-litre (VQ35DE) V6 develops 185kW of power, a 15kW boost. Peak torque for the larger-displacement engine is 326Nm. According to Nissan's press material, both engines develop 80 per cent of maximum torque from as low as 1600rpm. Nissan has addressed NVH issues for the two V6 powerplants by mounting them at six points.

The Carsales Network has already driven the new Maxima and can reveal that -- new platform aside -- it's very much an update of the old J31 model and continues to be comfort-focused. While the chassis has been sharpened up a bit, the Maxima remains more a competitor to Honda Accord than Accord Euro or Mazda6.The new 2.5-litre V6 is a worthwhile addition to the line-up and is a surprising performer. It pulls better than its on-paper specifications might suggest. 

All variants in the J32 Maxima range are equipped with standard (black) leather trim, xenon headlights, LED tail lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) featuring six 'steps'.

Other standard features across the range include: dual-zone climate control, MP3-compatible six-stack CD audio system, eight-way electrically-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, four-way electric adjustment for the front-passenger's seat and an engine-start button.

Over and above the specification of the 250 ST-L Maxima, the 350 ST-S variant features reverse parking sensors, a rear spoiler, keyless entry (by reading the key in the proximity of the car) and heated front seats. Price of this variant is $37,990.

The Maxima 350 Ti tops the range and, in addition to the 350 ST-S level of trim, adds DVD satnav, a 7-inch touchscreen, reversing camera, 11-speaker BOSE audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, remote-control steering wheel buttons and an electrically-operated glass sunroof. Price is $46,990.

Standard safety features for the whole range comprise: six airbags (including side curtains), active front headrests, ABS and stability control.

Disc brakes are fitted to all four wheels, with the front rotors ventilated. Rack-and-pinion is hydraulically assisted and the suspension for the Maxima comprises MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link IRS system at the rear.

Nissan has built the J32 Maxima on the same 'D platform' base as the new Murano. The company has developed an X-shaped structure for the top of the cowl to lend the body added resistance to torsional bending and consequently reduce NVH throughout the car. Ultra-high tensile strength steel used at different points in the body structure can withstand stresses of up to 980MPa and these components contribute to a multi-load path to channel impact forces through the body and away from passengers.

Buyers can choose from a range of six colours: Brilliant Silver, Champagne, Deep Sapphire, Ebony, White Diamond and the all new Deep Amethyst.

Look out for our launch review in the next few days.

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