On common ground
Fans will find a well-known engine under the new Maxima's hood: Nissan's 3.5-litre V6, which already powers over half the manufacturer's fleet.

Fans of numbers will be happy to hear that its stable has been increased to 290 horses, while fans of driving dynamics will be happy to know that there's more than enough power to propel the vehicle without it ever seeming out of breath, even when accelerating, where the car really excels.

However, and this was the previous generation's weakness, even if the torque effect has been considerably dampened, it is still felt in the steering wheel when we accelerate with insistence. As soon as we step on the gas, it's like the car takes on a will of its own, and we have to firmly grip the steering wheel to avoid any inopportune changes in direction.

Fans will find a well-known engine under the new Maxima's hood: Nissan's 3.5-litre V6.

This propensity quickly passes, and handling then becomes quite efficient without being sporty. In the Premium version, comfort is ensured by a different suspension (there's another version in the sport package) that absorbs all irregularities without swaying too much.

Even better (and those who know me will think I've come down with something), I really like the Nissan Maxima's continuously variable transmission, an addition that is not always pleasant on other models, but that Nissan has managed to make efficient, precise and slightly more user-friendly by using the manumatic mode.

Sport or luxury sedan?
It's hard to say if the new Maxima is a sport or luxury sedan. In truth, it emphasizes comfort and quality of finish first, which obviously puts it in the second category.

But its efficient powerplant and irreproachable transmission allow it to dream of the first category, even though it doesn't compare to the German machines which it would like to rival, for example. Better to choose the deluxe version of a car that will give you both driving pleasure and style. Now that's a good compromise!


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux