The first generation Nissan Maxima was produced in 1981, although when it was first released it was called the Datsun Maxima. The Maxima has been through 8 generations and has had the same number of facelifts and mechanical changes. The Maxima now competes against the Chevrolet Impala, Hyundai Azera and the Toyota Avalon. At the moment Nissan are at the forefront of the automotive industry with products revolutionising the market such as the Nissan e-NV200, The first all electric commercial van in the world.
| Key Features: | |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
| Transmission | Xtronic CVT |
| Power | 300hp / 354NM |
| Top Speed | 220km/h |
| Price | AED 108,000 - 146,000 |
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Exterior
The all new Maxima looks sporty, with sweeping lines and a very modern looking exterior. The boomerang headlights have been resculpted to be more aggressive than the previous model, same goes for the rear’s and the LED’s always stay illuminated. Nissan have done a great job with the facelift and have transformed the car from a basic looking sedan to a sports car.
The Maxima’s shoes have also been upgraded to 19’s with a diamond cut finish. The Nissan emblem on the front doesn't need to be as big as it is, shouting “I'm a Nissan” to everyone you drive past. But to be honest that's my only negative on the exterior of the car, other than that it looks great.
Interior
The inside of the Maxima has changed a lot as well with a double sunroof, large luxurious seats and a great 8’ infotainment system. The cabin is spacious with high quality finishings, nothing feels as though it wasn't thought about or made a priority. Having said that one thing that Nissan did forget to think about what the fact that a human has to be able to fit in the rear centre seat, now i'm not a big guy by any means (5 10”) but the headroom in the centre seat is bad. But if you don't have a head, no worries at least your legs will have plenty of space...
All the controls including the wheel and shifter are very ergonomic and comfortable to use. Whilst on the subject of the wheel I have to say it's designed well, you feel like you connected to the car as the wheel molds to your hands, great job guys!. One statement that Nissan mentioned a lot when I was first introduced to this car was that the GTR inspired infotainment system is tilted 7 degrees towards the driver as to make it easier to use. It doesn't make a difference, 7 degrees, really? No. Although the system itself is fast and simple to use.
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Safety
The Maxima is filled with safety features from 360 degree parking sensors to a forward emergency braking system. The car comes standard with 7 airbags covering the entire cabin in the case an accident occurs. The Maxima has Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction control (TCS), anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD), all these systems help keep the car under control in unsettling situations.
Nissan also introduced a forward emergency braking system that activates and applies the brakes when it senses an unavoidable collision. The one safety system that did come in handy whilst I had the car was the blind spot assist, lights in the front door pillars light up when there is a vehicle beside you, if you indicate to move lane when there is a car in your blind spot the car makes a chime alert noise to assist.
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Drive
The Maxima is surprisingly good at what it does, what does it do?. It accelerates hard, keeps itself in shape around bends well over the speed you should be doing and It can be a comfortable cruiser. The new engine is a 3.5L V6 pumping out 300 hp, now that's a lot of power for any car but the maxima does well to put it all to use in the right places.
It gets from 0-100 in 5.9 seconds and won't stop going until the speedo reads 220km/h. When you’re not driving quickly the Maxima transforms from a stiff, responsive sports sedan into a fairly decent luxury cruiser. With the interior being so comfortable and the ride easy going you could drive for hours and not need to stop of for a yoga session to get yourself back in the right frame of mind for a couple more hours on the highway.
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Verdict
The Maxima impressed me with its powerful engine and comfortable interior, the car is not mind blowing by any means but it is a very good allrounder. If that's what you’re searching for look no further.
Pro’s
- The Maxima looks great!
- Steering wheel feels sporty with the racing style D shape.
- Comfortable
Con’s
- Rear headroom is nonexistent in the centre seat
- Suspension is a bit stiff
- AWD not available
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