2009 Nissan Maxima 250ST-L and 350Ti Road Test and Review

The definition of ‘bang for your buck’!

Models Tested:

• 2009 Nissan Maxima 350Ti (as pictured), 3.5-litre V6, CVT – $46,990.
• 2009 Nissan Maxima 250ST-L 2.5-litre V6, CVT – $33,990.

Options:

• None fitted.

ST-L: Fuel economy; price point; interior room. Ti: Performance, features, price.

Handling; lack of promotion.

CarAdvice Rating:

- by Paul Maric

As far as cars go, they don’t get anything less entertaining than the Toyota Camry, I mean, let’s face it, although it may look rather inoffensive it’s as uninteresting as cars come.

As such, Nissan has decided to give the Maxima another shot. The outgoing Maxima was always a bit of a non-event. It had a decent engine and was good as a family car but never really offered much more, sort of a quirky looking Camry.

With the J32 Maxima though, a fresh design and an artillery of features make it a car which will actually make it onto the list of family men and women who are after an accommodating car that offers the full gauntlet – features, size and a respectable brand marque.

I drove two Maximas over a two-week period – the ST-L base model and the Ti top-spec model.

Normally, this type of test becomes somewhat tiresome if the vehicle being tested doesn’t really offer much excitement.

The Maxima test was interesting; I started off in the ST-L 250. At first I thought I’d confused things and ended up in the top-spec car first as it was fitted with a full leather interior and what seemed like a punchy V6.

A keyless fob is used to get in and out of the vehicle, with the key slotting into the dashboard to start the car. From the get go, there is a feeling of prestige and comfort. A near silent engine note on start-up is fitting for a cabin that feels far more spacious than each of its competition.

A comfy steering wheel and very comfortable seats make driving the Maxima a pleasure and not simply a chore. Front and rear legroom is very impressive, as is headroom. Visibility is good out of all sides, except the rear, mainly when reversing.

The ST-L’s lack of rear parking sensors or reverse camera makes it hard to judge parking, especially due to the Maxima’s large boot. Luckily though, parking sensors and a reverse camera are standard fitment on the up-spec Ti model.

Surely people would buy a Camry over a Maxima to save money at the fuel pump though?

Well, if you think that, you’ll most certainly be in for a shock, as the 2.5-litre, V6 featured in the 250 ST-L produces 134kW and 228Nm.

If you purely look at the numbers, it sounds disappointing, doesn’t it?

Well, I thought so too before I really got stuck into it. Instead of a regular cog-swapping affair, the entire Maxima range is fitted with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It extracts absolutely every last Newton-metre out of this engine.

Regular cruising is relaxed and well…cruisey, but when you really need things to happen, the revs jump and the 2.5-litre unit really begins singing. The best part about this configuration is the fuel consumption – 9.5-litres per 100km.

Yep, about half a litre per 100km less than the Camry and not only does it haul, it’s bigger inside than the Camry, it uses less fuel and despite the extra zip, has lower carbon emissions than the Camry and petrol Mondeo.

Cornering is nothing to write home about. There’s a bit of body roll to contend with and the tyres could do with a bit more grip. But, this type of thing is probably unlikely to worry potential Maxima owners.

Brake feel is spot on and the brakes do a great job of pulling up the Maxima in respectable fashion.

Surely the Maxima has some downsides? The foot operated park brake is an archaic thing of the past that Nissan insists on using. Then there’s the screen, which is obviously a placeholder for the satellite navigation in the up-spec Ti model, it just seems wasted on the ST-L variant, which uses the screen for radio and climate information.

Already impressed with the ST-L, I was keen to see how the Ti would differ in terms of performance and features. I went from being very pleased with the ST-L, to be ultra-impressed with the Ti.

I’m a man who likes having power on demand and the Ti well and truly fulfilled that need. Fitted with a 3.5-litre, V6 engine, it produces 185kW and 326Nm. It’s more than enough to put a smile on your face, especially with its sonorous Z-like engine note.

The addition of bum warmers and satellite navigation were also a welcome contribution. Although the satellite navigation is a bit fiddly at times, the colour screen fills the ST-L’s black abyss quite nicely. The reverse camera with parking sensors is also a pleasant add-on.

Starting the car is also a keyless affair. A proximity sensor based in the key allows the driver to approach and unlock the car with the press of a button on the door. Then it’s a jab of the starter button to get the car started.

While the 250 ST-L uses a frugal 9.5-litres/100km, the Ti uses marginally more at 10.2-litres/100km.

The handling doesn’t really improve too much with the step up to the Ti, so it’s more of a straight-line affair when it comes to harder driving.

Much like most Nissan V6’s, there’s no room to drop a spanner in the engine bay, it’s very cramped. It’s not much of an issue for the regular punter, but I could see it increasing servicing costs down the track when things need changing and replacing.

Let’s talk money. There’s no use having frugal V6’s, massive interiors and plenty of features if it costs a fortune.

The base 250 ST-L starts at $33,990, the 350 ST-S begins at $37,990, while the 350 Ti starts at $46,990.

Standard features included in the 250 ST-L include: ABS with EBA & EBD, ESP, six airbags, dusk sensing xenon headlamps, front and rear fog lamps, LED tail lamps, black leather trim, cruise control, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, power folding mirrors with integrated indicators, an eight-way electric driver’s seat, four-way electric passenger seat, six-CD tuner with MP3 compatibility and an auxiliary input, push-button start and 17-inch alloy wheels (including full-size alloy spare).

While the Ti adds: rear spoiler and rear park assist, intelligent key system and heated front seats, electric tilt-slide sunroof, memory enabled electric front seats, satellite navigation, rear parking camera, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and, perhaps best of all, an 11-speaker Bose full Dolby 5.1 channel surround sound audio system on top of the features already found in the 250 ST-L and 350 ST-S combined.

I’m not sure if I’d fork out for the $46,990 Ti, but you could bet your bottom dollar that I’d be putting my money on the ST-L if I had to pick between the Maxima and its extensive list of competition.

By the same token though, the Ti is still extremely good value for money.

The features, drive and room are impossible to overlook. Although the styling is rather ‘hate it or love it’, the rest of its credentials well and truly go beyond what you would expect in this price range.

Nissan have quite possibly created one of the best large sedans in this segment, which is almost the easy part.

Now they just need to let everyone know about this newfound feat. If previous experience is anything to go by, this car will be lost in the mystical beyond because of poor marketing.

Ratings:

Nissan Maxima 350Ti

CarAdvice Overall Rating:

How does it Drive:

How does it Look:

How does it Go:

Specifications:

• Engine: 3498cc V6
• Power: 185kW @ 6000rpm
• Torque: 326Nm @ 4400rpm
• Induction: Naturally aspirated
• Transmission: Continually Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Driven Wheels: Front wheel drive
• Brakes: Four wheel discs
• Top Speed: N/A
• 0-100km/h: N/A
• CO2 Emissions: 243g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 10.2-litres/100km
• Fuel Consumption: 10.3-litres/100km (as tested)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 70-litres
• Fuel Type: 91RON
• ANCAP Rating: N/A
• Airbags: Six
• Safety: ABS brakes with BA. Electronic Stability Control.
• Spare Wheel: Full size spare
• Suspension: Independent with stabiliser (front), multi-link with stabiliser (rear)
• Cargo Capacity: 506-litres
• Tow Capacity: 1200kg/750kg (braked/unbraked)
• Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
• Warranty: Three-year/100,000km
• Weight: 1576kg
• Wheels: Alloy with 215/55R17 tyres

Nissan Maxima 250ST-L

CarAdvice Overall Rating:

How does it Drive:

How does it Look:

How does it Go:

Specifications:

• Engine: 2496cc V6
• Power: 134kW @ 6000rpm
• Torque: 228Nm @ 4400rpm
• Induction: Naturally aspirated
• Transmission: Continually Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Driven Wheels: Front wheel drive
• Brakes: Four wheel discs
• Top Speed: N/A
• 0-100km/h: N/A
• CO2 Emissions: 226g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 9.5-litres/100km
• Fuel Consumption: 9.4-litres/100km (as tested)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 70-litres
• Fuel Type: 91RON
• ANCAP Rating: N/A
• Airbags: SIx
• Safety: ABS brakes with BA. Electronic Stability Control.
• Spare Wheel: Full size spare
• Suspension: Independent with stabiliser (front), multi-link with stabiliser (rear)
• Cargo Capacity: 506-litres
• Tow Capacity: 1200kg/750kg (braked/unbraked)
• Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
• Warranty: 3-year/100,000km
• Weight: 1516kg
• Wheels: Alloy with 215/55R17 tyres

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The recall affects all J31-series Maxima V6s produced between August 2003 and January 2008, and sold between December 2003 and May 2009, with VINs ranging between JN1BBUJ31A0 000014 and JN1BBUJ3A0 302117.

The recall also affects the original Murano, which was released here in July 2005 before being replaced in January 2009, and is powered by the same ZQ35 3.5-litre V6 as the Maxima.

The recall notice issued by Nissan says engine heat and vibration could cause the intake to dislodge, resulting in rough idling and stalling.

“The engine air intake duct may become disconnected due to thermal loading combined with normal engine vibration. If this happens, the engine will exhibit rough idling and in a worst case scenario, the engine may stall,” it said.

Nissan Australia will contact the owners of all affected vehicles by writing to arrange inspection and rectification.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

2009 Nissan Maxima – First Steer

The Nissan Maxima has always seemed a little bit of a mystery to most people.

I mean sure the public was always aware of its presence, but for the man on the street the Maxima was always thought of as just “there”, quietly sitting in a niche all of its own, seemingly content with its place in the world.

It was almost as if it was seen as too good to be the daily lugger, but by the same token, it wasn’t really a fully fledged luxury car either.

Perhaps then it could be said the market was confused by the Maxima’s intended purpose.

Think about it this way, it was never as common as the Subaru Liberty or Toyota Aurion, but that’s not to say it was any less capable. It certainly had a lot going for it in terms of both power and economy, and could rival both with relative ease, but was is too big?

Similarly it was quite affordable when you considered the size of the vehicle, the equipment on offer and the smooth V6 performance availed, though it seemed more buyers were drawn to the similarly priced Honda Accord V6 or, to a lesser degree, the now deceased Mitsubishi 380. So did that mean it was a failure?

Hardly. I mean the Maxima always sold in very steady numbers, in fact it averaged 250 units a month across its life span, no mean feat! A fact bolstered by the fact that only 32 examples of the current model remain available for sale Australia wide.

It was a good drive too, and a rather comfortable ride, and from a design point of view it was “safe”, and managed to hold its own for almost five years with little in the way of modification or manicure.

Maybe then the car’s marketing was flawed. Aimed towards a demographic undeserving of its true worth, too subtle for such a well-deserved engineering effort. I mean even Nissan admits the previous Maxima was “especially popular” with the over 50s.

For those reasons alone the Maxima was always a little bit more highly aspired than its rivals, something to work towards, and perhaps that meant it was time for a change, time to make the Maxima more accessible, more competitive and more thoroughly suited to the challenges it would be presented with over its life span.

So, what’s changed? Well for a start the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima now comes with a choice of two V6 engines and ergo, aggressively competitive pricing.

In a bid to tackle the competition we’ve just discussed above head on, and perhaps the rear-wheel-drive Holden and Ford camps simultaneously, the Maxima now positions itself in a two-tier structure, in much the same way Toyota does with its Camry and Aurion models or Honda with its Accord Euro and Accord V6 range – though cleverly for Nissan, this is all achieved within the one smart and sporty package.

Based on a completely new “D” segment platform, common to the new Nissan Murano SUV, the Maxima is completely new from the ground up, but perhaps importantly to prospective retained buyers, is evolutionary in style so as not to be too rapid a departure from the familiar styling so favoured by current owners wishing to update.

It’s more refined, more highly equipped – even in standard form – and more capable, or as Nissan sums it up: Modern Elegance.

Nissan’s Chief Executive Officer, Dan Thompson explains:

“The new Maxima will play an increasingly important role in the large and medium car market by offering the best blend of distinctive luxury – at an attainable price,” said Mr Thompson. “We are doubling the appeal of the new Maxima in Australia with our new two-engine model strategy and a very attractive entry price.”

“The new 2.5-litre V6 engine, the sharp pricing right in the heart of the four-cylinder market and the unprecedented high level of luxury features as standard, makes the Maxima 250 ST-L unbeatable. For a start, no one else in this market sector offers leather upholstery as standard. We are making four-cylinder large car customers an offer they can’t afford to ignore in the Maxima ST-L,” he said. “And with the elegant Maxima ST-S and Ti sedans, an impressive ride and luxurious appointments will give the new Maxima the muscle to grow its sales in the upper end of the large car market where there are many customers looking for unparalleled value.”

The familiar six-window coupe-like profile too has been retained, though now with a more pronounced character line that runs the length of the vehicle.

Proportionally the car is quite similar to the out-going model as well, though this time offers more internal room by featuring a floor some 36mm lower than the model it replaces, creating more headroom, and by moving the “A” pillar forward 60mm to provide not only more cabin space, but greater forward visibility too.

LED tail lamps and Xenon headlamps are also now standard across the range, as are 17-inch alloy wheels and Nissan’s acclaimed Xtronic CVT (continously variable transmission) gearbox.

The car too has had a great deal of Australian input in its design and suspension set up, and this is evident in driving the car on our much maligned back and often inimical country roads.

But to get a better understanding of the range, perhaps it’s best to break the new Maxima down model-by-model in order of rank, starting with the base model 250 ST-L.

Nissan J32 Maxima 250 ST-L ($33,990)

Pics to follow

Perhaps the biggest change to the Maxima line-up as a whole is the introduction of the smaller VQ25DE 2.5-litre V6 engine to the range.

This award winning power-plant is featured exclusively in the 250 ST-L and is a free revving unit that is quite smooth and linear in delivery managing 134kW at 6000rpm.

Power delivery comes courtesy of Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (automatic) transmission that keeps the car within its torque range long enough to utilise the 228Nm on hand at 4400rpm under steady acceleration.

Once on the open road the engine is barely noticeable in terms of noise, something Nissan have gone to great lengths in improving across the new J32 series, and also manages exceptional fuel economy at just 9.5-litres per 100km as a combined average, that’s 0.5-litres less the Toyota’s four-cylinder Camry.

Handling is confident, and on the whole more dynamic than the previous model, though as you’d expect the car’s front-wheel drive characteristics are more noticeable towards the car’s upper limits.

The ride is more refined too, feeling more settled and offering greater comfort levels than I recall of the previous model.

The J32 Maxima, featuring an all-new platform, is now suspended by an all-new strut-type front and multi-link rear arrangement both with stiffer mounting points to further improve body stiffness and at the same time reduce NVH levels.

It’s a great improvement over the Maxima’s more wallowy predecessor and thanks to an increase in torsional rigidity of 40 per cent and front lateral stiffness of 85 per cent – thanks in part to a new X-shaped cowl top structure – the new Maxima feels more sorted and purposeful when cornering with little in the way of that “front heavy” feel usually associated with larger front-wheel drive vehicles.

Steering too has seen an improvement over the previous generation with a new speed sensitive hydraulic system offering more in the way of feel at higher speeds, though is still weighted well enough to not be vague when tackling narrow country roads with poorly maintained shoulders as found on our drive route. A turning circle of 11.4 metres is uniform across the Maxima range.

The leather wrapped wheel is quite narrow of grip and unfortunately only offers tilt adjustment. It also features remote audio and cruise control buttons.

The 250 ST-L includes a comprehensive array of kit including ABS with EBA & EBD, ESP, six airbags, dusk sensing xenon headlamps, front and rear foglamps, LED tail lamps, black leather trim, cruise control, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, power folding mirrors with integrated indicators, an 8-way electric driver’s seat, 4-way electic passenger seat, six CD tuner with MP3 compatibility and an auxilary input, push-button start and 17-inch alloy wheels (including full-size alloy spare).

Nissan expects this newly formed rival to compete directly with Camry and Liberty models and projects the 250 ST-L model to account for around 40 per cent of its overall sales.

Nissan J32 Maxima 350 ST-S ($37,990)

Pics to follow

Adding to the 250 ST-L’s comprehensive feature and specification list, the 350 ST-S presents itself as the next step up and the first of the 3.5-litre V6 powered Maximas in the new J32 range.

Perhaps set to rival Toyota Aurion, Honda Accord V6 – and even Ford Falcon XT and Holden Commodore Omega – in terms of price, the 350 ST-S offers an additional 15kW of power from the previous model as well as a 6 per cent improvement in fuel economy.

The engine is a revised version of the same VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6 as found in the previous model, but is both smoother and more capable delivering 185kW of power at 6000rpm and 326Nm of torque from 4400 revs.

Again mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission, the 350 ST-S is a very capable performer with brisk acceleration both from standstill, and during overtaking, yet still manages excellent fuel economy at a claimed 10.2 litres per 100km.

As found in the lower spec 250 ST-L, the 350 ST-S also offers ABS with EBA and EBD, ESP and six airbags while inside, and in addition to those features listed on the 250 ST-L, the mid-level Maxima gains a rear spoiler and rear park assist, intelligent key system and heated front seats.

Nissan has indicated the 3.5-litre powered models will account for approximately 60 per cent of new Maxima sales, though are unsure how the split between the two upper models will pan out.

Nissan J32 Maxima 350 Ti ($46,990)

Sitting atop the all-new J32 Maxima shelf is the 350 Ti, and despite the noticeably large price hike over the 350 ST-S, this range topping model adds a profusion of gear to the equation to make it a very worthwhile consideration against similarly priced rivals.

The 350 Ti is, as the nomenclature suggests, powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine found in the 350 ST-S and similarly delivers the same 185kW of power and 326Nm of torque and while visually it isn’t vastly different to the mid-spec model below, there are enough indicators availed to differentiate the pair including more elegant 17-inch alloy wheels and more pronounced chrome highlights.

But the real story lies beneath the skin with a feature packed cabin offering buyers an electric tilt-slide sunroof, memory enabled electric front seats, satellite navigation, rear parking camera, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and, perhaps best of all, an 11-speaker Bose full Dolby 5.1 channel surround sound audio system on top of the features already found in the 250 ST-L and 350 ST-S combined.

All options are simple to use and understand too and offer excellent fit and finish throughout, a credit to the vehicle’s now Thai sourced production.

The car is also very quiet on all but the most coarse of roads and is comfortable, supportive and generously proportioned. All models within the Maxima range feature a 506 litre boot.

As mentioned with the 350 ST-S model Nissan hopes the two V6 powered models will account for 60 per cent of the Maxima’s sales ratio and go some way to improving the brand’s 6th place ranking among the 180,000 medium and large sedans sold in Australia each year.

The all new Nissan Maxima will be available for sale nationally from June 1.

For our review of the previous generation Nissan Maxima, click here.

Specifications – Maxima 250 ST-L:

• Engine: 2496cc DOHC V6 (24 valve)
• Power: 134kW @ 6000rpm
• Torque: 228Nm @ 4400rpm
• Induction: Multi Point
  
• Transmission: Six-Ratio CVT
• Driven Wheels: Front
• Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
• CO2 Emissions: TBC
  
• Fuel Consumption: 9.5 litres per 100km
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
• Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
• ANCAP Rating: TBC
• Airbags: Front, Side and Curtain
• Safety: ESP with Traction Control
• Spare Wheel: Full Size Alloy
• Cargo Capacity: 506 litres
• Tow Capacity: 1200kg (Braked)
• Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
• Warranty: Three Year/100,000km
• Weight: 1516kg (Tare)
• Wheels: Alloy 17 x 7.0-inch

Specifications – Maxima 350 ST-S & Ti:

• Engine: 3498cc DOHC V6 (24 valve)
• Power: 185kW @ 6000rpm
• Torque: 326Nm @ 4400rpm
• Induction: Multi Point
  
• Transmission: Six-Ratio CVT
• Driven Wheels: Front
• Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
• CO2 Emissions: TBC
  
• Fuel Consumption: 10.2 litres per 100km
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
• Fuel Type: 95RON petrol
• ANCAP Rating: TBC
• Airbags: Front, Side and Curtain
• Safety: ESP with Traction Control
• Spare Wheel: Full Size Alloy
• Cargo Capacity: 506 litres
• Tow Capacity: 1200kg (Braked)
• Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
• Warranty: Three Year/100,000km
• Weight: 1535kg/1563kg (Tare)
• Wheels: Alloy 17 x 7.0-inch

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The new J32 Maxima will go on sale in June. The original Maxima was introduced back in 1990 and new generation starts from $33,990.

Powered by the VQ35 3.5-litre engine or a 2.5-litre VQ25DE  the new Maxima is set to excite the market with its bold design and better fuel efficiency.

Standard features include leather trim, electrically adjustable driver and passanger seat, dual zone climate control, Xenon headlamps, 6 stack CD player, 17″ allow wheels and start stop button.

Safety is taken care of by 6 airbags, ABS, VDC as well as a rear reverse camera (option).

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The new Maxima sports a completely new look, one which may actually hint at Nissan’s new design trademarks.

In particular, supposed early leaks of the yet to be released 370Z (the successor to the 350Z utilising a non-turbo version of the GT-R’s 3.7-litre V6 engine) share a nearly identical headlight design with the 2009 Maxima.

More details to follow when Nissan’s official press release becomes available.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

“You’d be hard pressed to beat the combination of space, options, and price”

Model tested:

• 2008 Nissan J31 Maxima ST-L Sedan – $34,990
• Options available: Metallic Paint $395, Sunroof $2,585.

Gutsy V6, Smooth CVT, Quiet, Affordable

Dated Design, Soft Handling, Weak Stereo

CarAdvice rating:

- by Matt Brogan

The large sedan segment is not quite what it once was. I remember a time when just about every second car on the road was a big family sedan. Times change though, and we all want greater flexibility from our vehicles – fair enough too – but what about those among us who still want a reasonably priced full-sized luxury sedan.

We all seem to be of the impression that owning a sedan like this means a Berlina or Fairmont, a few might even stretch their imagination so far as a 380SX or a Prodigy, but what about the Nissan stable?

The trusty Maxima seems to have been looked over in recent times and whilst it may be getting a bit long in the tooth, that doesn’t for a moment mean it isn’t still a great option when it comes to choosing a bigger luxury car.

For starters the standard appointments offered and just how well these present for the price really do impress. It’s uncomplicated, comfortable and easy. But it’s more than that, it looks elegant, it goes well and it’s a pleasant ride.

Sure the styling is getting a bit dated, after all the design goes back to 2005, but even with the progress made since then everything is still relevant and offers very little reason to want for something more high-tech when you consider that you can pick one of these up for $35K – new!

Next page…

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