Nissan Maxima

2010 Nissan Maxima

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Statistics

How much?	$ 27240
Engine:	3506cc, 6cyl, 290BHP @ 6400, 261lb ft @ 4400
Transmission:	Automatic
Fuel Economy:	10.4 - l/100km
Performance:	6.4 sec 0-100kph , 210kph
How heavy?	1618kg

Tom Bird
03 February 2010

Paddleshifts? Does a car like this Nissan Maxima really need paddleshifts? It’s not as if there’s actually any gears for them to shift through – despite what Nissan might let on, this isn’t a six-speed tiptronic gearbox but a CVT. As in Continiously Variable Transmission – or the ‘rubber band’ gearbox. Plant the throttle hand from standstill and the revs just rise and rise until the limiter is hit – it’s only at the point of lifting off that the ratio is changed.

Accleration isn’t quite as brisk as the official figures suggest – though I suspect the engine might loosen up over time. The Maxima came to us fresh out of the box with just 43kms on the clock. I hope the exhaust note gains some depth too, at the moment it’s rather a distant drone – not even showing any character higher up the rev range.

The brakes are good, though the pedal could do with a little more feel. The same can be said of the steering which certainly isn’t the last word in directness.

Understeer is quite easy to provoke if you’re rather aggressive with your inputs given the softish nature of the Maxima’s suspension, but drive more sedately and you’ll never trouble the outer edge of adhesion. And even if you did, the calming effect of the electronic dynamic control will soon bring you back into line.

Though the car pictured here has a rather sharp looking black leather interior, Middle East spec cars are blessed with a half-black, half-sand cabin. At least you won’t burn your delicate bits should you leave the car out in the sun – though there’s always the chilled seats to take the edge off things.

Nissan’s excellent Birdview sat-nav system features and must be applauded for actually having not only Dubai’s Business Bay Crossing on the maps, but also the Floating Bridge. Though both ways of getting across the creek have been open for over two years, a huge raft of manufacturers still think you’re going for a swim should you use them.

On the move, you’re never left wanting for power as there’s plenty on offer from the 3.5-litre V6 up front. Like many made-for-America saloons in the region, the Maxima is front-wheel drive, so isn’t the last word in dynamics. However, it is rather comfortable on the long cruise and will happily keep up with the fastest traffic.

Overall though, the Maxima is a sharp looking saloon with ample space for five bods and plenty of luggage on board. And to be honest, it wouldn’t look out of place with an Infiniti badge on the front. Nice job.

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