May 1999 Volume 80 Number 5 "serving the protectors"
Maximum Appeal
By Jim Barnett

Anyone who owns a new, fully imported Nissan Maxima can enjoy the luxury of its factory-fitted colour television.

But don’t expect to take a motoring holiday or negotiate peak-hour traffic while the kids watch a movie or the evening news. The picture on the 14.5cm screen will only operate with the gear selector in park. The screen is blank in any other mode, but the selected TV program’s audio can still be heard - in stereo - through the car’s six speakers.

As part of Maxima’s upgrade, the mid-range 30G and top-spec 30GV both feature the $2,400, in-built Clarion television. The TV is neatly housed above the stereo. At the press of a button it slides out like an ejecting CD. Reception is generally very good, due to the flexible, glass-mounted aerial attached inside the rear window. The set also features audio/VCR inputs for playing home videos through a camcorder.

The Police Journal tested the entry model 30S Touring. Although lacking the TV and some other plush features of the up-market 30G and 30GV, the 30S is a lovely motor car. At $37,990, it features:

• Driver’s airbag.
• Anti-lock brakes.
• Air-conditioning.
• Cruise control.
• Full power-pack.
• Single CD player with four speakers.
• Remote central locking.

At $40,990, the 30G features extras, including:

• Television.
• Six-stack CD.
• 100-watt sound system.
• Automatic climate-control airconditioning.
• Wood-grain dashboard trimmings.

The 30GV costs $49,990 and boasts:

• Electric seats.
• Leather trim.
• Power sunroof.
• Passenger airbag.
• Active Damper Control.

All models feature a distinctive chrome grille and stylish 15-inch alloy wheels. Cornering lights are fitted to each corner of the front bumper and illuminate around corners when the indicator is operated. The 30S Touring retains its own personality with the inclusion of front and side body skirts and a smart boot-mounted spoiler.

Maxima’s interior is spacious and comfortable. The dashboard layout is elegant with all controls easy to reach and use. Seating is very comfortable and the driving position good. The rear seat is essentially for two - the centre position serves as an armrest but is equipped with a lap/sash seat belt.

Maxima is powered by Nissan’s VQ 30DE, fuel-injected, 3.0-litre V6 engine, which features 24 valves and double overhead camshafts. The engine is lightweight due to all-alloy construction and delivers a hefty 142kW of power at 5600rpm and 278Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Drive is to the front wheels through a very smooth four-speed automatic transmission.

Up front Maxima features independent MacPherson struts with coil springs and stabiliser bar, while the rear features Multi-link beam with stabiliser bar. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard as is power, rack-and-pinion steering. Maxima’s 10.6-metre turning circle is very good for a large, front-wheel-drive car.

On the road, Maxima does everything well. The super quiet V6 engine offers plenty of power in any situation, and the smooth four-speed automatic transmission is one of the slickest in the business. During normal acceleration the engine and transmission are so smooth that some gear changes can only be detected by watching the tachometer.

Even when worked hard, the engine and transmission show a level of refinement rarely experienced in this price range. On the highway Maxima remains smooth and quiet, and overtakes quickly and safely. Cornering is flat and predictable and the large brakes provide good stopping power.

Maxima is a good looking, refined and well-equipped luxury car that is a pleasure to drive. Although luxurious, its price is comparable with others in the marketplace.

Test car supplied by Nissan Australia Wayville, SA.

V6 Maxima. A powerful lot of features. JARRETT NISSAN - 510 Mount Barker Road Bridgewater SA 5155 Ph: (08) 8339 2700 - Fax: (08) 8370 9895 Mob: 0412 842 128 Web: www jarrettmotor.com.au - Email: david@jarrettmotor.com.au