Nissan Maxima: Maximum Nissan
The front-wheel-drive sedan “Nissan-Maxim” (in Japan, “Sephiro”) debuted in 1994. Modification with a station wagon appeared three years later. This spring in Geneva showed the second generation of this model (so far only a sedan). Available with petrol engines of 2.0 or 3.0 liters, automatic four-speed or manual five-speed gearbox.
According to the European classification “Nissan-Maxima” refers to the upper middle – E-class.
However, the second generation of its framework, as they say, butt-on – the sedan, which was extended by 150 mm, became the largest in its class, came very close to the “major league” of representative limousines. Not only dimensions are related to the latter – the car was made even more comfortable, noticeably richer, noticeably safer, slightly more powerful and somewhat more expensive.
Keeping the silhouette and general outlines almost unchanged, the new “Maxim” added respectability, the body lines became slimmer, added chrome on the emblems and facings. Thanks to the cleaner lens technology (literally “clear lens”), a look cleared twice as powerful xenon headlights with smooth, without a lens glass. The new face is certainly recognizable, although with a large front overhang and slightly slanting headlights it is elusively reminiscent of the KIA Klarus. The bumpers are very functional, they endure a collision at speeds up to 8 km / h without any damage or damage to the body. By the way, about strength: body rigidity increased by 30%, and this affects not only safety, but also behavior on the road.
The wheelbase increased by 50 mm allowed to expand the doorways, to make more spacious and rather a rather big salon – a tall passenger freely sits backwards on the leg, without touching the front seat with his knees. The width of the spacious sofa is quite enough for three, although the average is unlikely to be pleased with an unusually developed floor tunnel for a front-wheel-drive car. In the niche of the armrest there is a ski hatch, and if there is not enough of a huge 520-liter luggage compartment for luggage (the volume is 18% larger than that of the old model), you can fold it in pieces or completely in the backrest.
Front – soft comfortable seats with a lot of electric adjustments, a huge margin in height (about 100 mm with a height of 180 cm) and a little space constrained by a massive front panel for the legs. A representative list of safety features: two front and two side airbags, active head restraints, pretensioners and belt force limiters. In the interior trim – plastic walnut, fabric (SLX equipment) and velor (SE) gray or beige, for a fee – leather. Of course – air conditioning or air conditioning, electric windows (with the function “rebound”) and heated exterior mirrors, as well as automatic dimming of the internal. Thick side windows effectively “quench” ultraviolet rays and reduce noise.
At first, a black gap pulls into place on the instrument panel – white scales and arrows appear only when the ignition is turned on. And depending on which of the two keys is inserted into the lock, not only the individual adjustments of the chair, but also the audio system settings will be restored. Landing is quite convenient, and yet a couple of notes: adjusting the length of the steering column would not hurt – low drivers, moving up to the pedals, would rest on the steering wheel, and it is not easy to fully squeeze the clutch pedal.
Under the hood, the new “Maxims” are proven V-shaped “sixes” of the VQ series, short-stroke, with a volume of 2 or 3 liters. The first migrated from the previous model without changes, the second received an improved intake and gas distribution with variable phases, which made it possible, first of all, to equalize the torque characteristic at medium speeds. As a result, two difficult-to-see engines give the car completely different characters. “Maxim” with a two-liter engine and a manual – a comfortable sedan for “executive” driving, with a three-liter – a real “athlete”, able to race not just quickly – very quickly.
Interestingly, it is subjective, especially at first, due to the excellent sound insulation, you do not realize the difference. Well, it goes a little more dynamic, but it’s still as easy, not bothering the passengers with either the roar of the engine, or the squeal of tires, or the whistle of the wind. The figures, meanwhile, show: up to “hundreds” a more powerful car accelerates in just 8 seconds (the rarest case, when real figures are better than passport ones), and 180 km / h gains twice (!) Faster than two-liter – in 27.3 seconds against 55 ,one. With an automatic transmission, the difference in dynamic performance is almost the same. By the way, the “automatic” here is quite clever – with the blocking of the transformer on the IV transmission to reduce the appetite in cruising modes.
In forced modes, strong emotions are neutralized by the suspension, upgraded to achieve “an optimal balance between comfort and control.” The fashion for an active lifestyle led to the fact that now the engineers at Nissan found this balance much closer to handling, managing not to move too far away from comfort.
