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All-new styling, greater interior space, enhanced safety features

Nissan has launched the third generation Maxima models with all-new styling, ore power from the 3.0-litre V6 engine, increased size and enhanced safety highlighted by standard driver and passenger airbags and, on TI models, driver and passenger side airbags and "active" head restraints.

The stylish new Nissan Maxima is available in three models - S, ST and Ti (the model codes have been revised to match other Nissan model grades).

Most obvious is the all-new exterior styling which is contemporary and distinctive with a large passenger glasshouse and steeper rake for the front and rear windscreens to enhance the cabin's feel of light and airiness.

Announcing the new Maxima's arrival is a classically subtle chrome grille and large, contemporary jewel-type halogen headlights with multi parabolic reflectors and combined turn indicators. Range-topping Ti models feature two driving lights mounted under the front bumper.

Maxima's rear styling is also all-new and contemporary with large jewel-type rear lights and high boot deck lid. Boot capacity has been increased by 80 litres.

Compared to the previous model, new Maxima is 50 mm longer in the wheelbase, the roof is 20mm higher and the cabin is 10 mm wider. The enhanced feeling of space is immediately noticed when entering the Maxima.

The Maxima was designed at the Nissan Technical Centre in Atsugi, Japan.

Maxima's powerplant is the latest generation of Nissan's VQ-design DOHC 24-valve alloy V6 which in its latest form — thanks to a revised intake manifold and fitting of NVIS (Nissan Variable Induction System) plus a revised camshaft profile — delivers 10 per cent more power (now 157kW at 6400 rpm) and five per cent more torque (now 291 Nm at 3,600 rpm).

Standard features of the engine include micro-finished crank journals and camshaft lobes, molybdenum coated piston skirts and valve shims, digital knock control and six coils (one per spark plug).

The dual cooling system (which provides independent temperature control for the block and cylinder heads) has been improved with the fitting of a thicker radiator and new cooling fans.

A new four-point engine mount system with two electronically-controlled fluid-filled mounts delivers reduced NVH.

Since its introduction, Maxima has been praised for its abundance of silky-smooth power — as evidenced by the VQ engine design being named for five consecutive years as one of the "10 Best Engines" by the Detroit-based publication WARD'S AUTO WORLD.

Standard transmission remains a four-speed electronic automatic however reinforcements have been made to the planetary gearset and four-point main gear to support the increased power and torque of the V6 engine. In addition, shift performance has been improved through re programming of shift points and shift logic to deliver smoother acceleration and better performance on long uphill grades.

Suspension continues to feature Nissan's Multi-Link Beam rear design which minimises camber change during comering and braking. However the innovative lateral link which is the heart of this system has been relocated behind the torsion beam for enhanced handling response and ride comfort.

Front suspension is independent with struts, coil springs and anti-roll bar. Fluid-filled front and rear suspension bushings suppress road noise intrusion to the cabin.

S models are fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, while ST and Ti models gain five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels.

All three Maxima models are fitted with power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with four- channel, four-sensor ABS.

Compared to the superseded model, the new Maxima has 2 mm thicker front discs (280mm diameter vented discs) and large diameter rear discs (278 mm diameter). The ABS processor has been improved from 8 bit to 16 bit for faster reaction.

On the inside, it's a similar story of improvement with more head room, leg room, enhanced comfort, ergonomics and convenience. In these areas, Nissan engineers' attention to detail and fastidiousness is obvious:

• driver "H" point raised by I 1mm;

Naturally there is a new dashboard design and new instrument layout as well as new, stylish interior trim material (leather on the range-topping Ti model). ST and Ti models feature an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat and the Ti also provides four-way power adjustment for the passenger's seat. In a first for Nissan vehicles sold in Australia, new Ti model Maximas have heated front seats.

Also making a debut in new Ti model Maximas is Nissan's latest safety innovation - "active" front head restraints which aim to minimise head movement at impact to help reduce whiplash and other more serious injuries in rear-end collisions. At impact, the active head restraint system mechanically moves the head restraints upwards and forward, supporting the occupants' heads. Springs in the seat structures retum the headrests to their normal positions after the collision.

There are three adjustable rear head restraints in all model grades.

ST and Ti models gain simulated wood tone interior trim, boot-mounted six-stacker CD player with six speaker audio system and climate control air-conditioning with outside temperature display. Ti models also feature an electronic glass sunroof with rear tilt and sunshade.

All models come standard with driver and front passenger three-point ELR seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. In addition, all models have three, three-point ELR rear seat belts, the outer two fitted with ALR.

The rear seat features a 60/40 split — a first for Maxima.

Standard with all models is remote keyless entry which incorporates NATS (Nissan Anti Theft System). NATS uses a computer microchip transponder mounted in the vehicle's key which when inserted into the ignition sends its ID code to the engine control unit and if it is not matched, the engine will not run.

In another first for Nissan, the new Maxima comes with 'asymmetric' windscreen wipers — the blades are of unequal length and move in a different arc compared to conventional wiper blades to give a larger swept area for increased visibility in wet conditions.

Pricing details will be announced immediately prior to the on-sale date in early December, but according to Nissan's Marketing Manager for Passenger Vehicles, Mr Philip Brook. the new Maxima will be priced for immediate impact in the prestige sedan segment

"Maxima's segment-leading value-for-money position is broadly acknowledged and, with the significantly improved specifications of the new model, it is our intention to further improve that position," Mr Brook said. "In our competitive business, we will naturally not be revealing exact pricing until just before launch date."

Announcing the new lineup, Nissan Australia's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Leon Daphne, predicted Maxima's new good looks, enhanced interior space, performance and safety features will deliver increased sales.

"As our flagship passenger vehicle, the Maxima has always occupied a special position at Nissan Australia and thanks to the great work of Nissan engineers in Japan, almost every aspect of the new model represents an improvement over the current range," Mr Daphne said. "We're confident Maxima's features and outstanding value-for-money will find it many friends in the prestige sedan market."

According to Nissan Australia's Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr Paul Stead, significant sales growth is tipped for the new Maxima.

"We have been looking forward to the arrival of the new Maxima lineup as an opportunity to provide real sales growth and I am confident this great vehicle and its sharp pricing will achieve significantly increased monthly sales," Mr Stead explained.