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THE 1995 Nissan Maxima offers a roomier interior but no increase in overall body size. A more powerfui 190-horsepower V-6 engine is now standard, and all
Maximas have dual airbags, alr conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes and AM/FM stereo cassette. Base price is $24,990.

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New Maxima has more horsepower, improved handling and more room

THE NISSAN Maxima,
which was first introduced in
1981 as a Suxury variant of
the Datsun $19, was one of
the original Japanese luxury
sport sedans. The 1989 model
in particular, with its V-
power 2nd sporty, sophi
cated flair, set a tone for a
number of other reasonably
priced, mid-sized Japanese
luxury sedans.

The new Maxima, dubbed a 1995
model, expands on that original for-
mula.

Though about the same size as

the previous model, the new
Maxima has more horsepower,
improved handling, a roomier inteti-
or and new styling.

The Maxima’s new styling, while
pleasant and contemporary, doesn’t
stand out in the crowd. Styling fea-
tures such as the wraparound halo-
gen headlamps, raised rear deck, and
large tailamps are common to many
cars in this class.

Amongst Japanese car:
spicuous luxury is a growing trend
and perhaps Nissan has determined
that this is what Maxima buyers
want.

The 1995 Maxima is about the
same size as the previous model. but
the wheelbase is longer by 50 mm (2
in.), creating a considerably larger
interior. Rear passengers in particu-
lar have more legroom (28 mm), and
front and rear headroom has been
increased by 13 mm.

The new interior is handsome,
simple, and well laid-out, like many
new Japanese cars.

A cluster of easy-to-read round
gauges is assembled in a pod facing
the driver. The dash is smooth and
uncluttered, and the caw! is low and
easy lo see over.

The centre dash area contains
stereo and ventilation/heater con-
trols. while power windows and
door-lock buttons are on the armrest.
Optional power seat contrals are
located on the side of the seat.

One complaint: The handbrake is
located too close to the driver on the
centre console urea and sometimes

gets in the way.

An all new 190-horsepower V6
engine is now standard in all
Manirnas. Previously, GXE and
Brougham models had a 160-horse-
power V6, while only the SE had a
190-horsepower engine.

Maxima model designations have
changed slightly. They are now
GXE, SE, and GLE.

The new V-6 engine is lighter
and more compact than the previous
powerplant, which contributes to
better fuel economy, improved
front-to-rear weight distribution, and
improved space-efficiency in the
cabin.

The Maxim's more powerful
engine has helped knock two sce-
onds off the 0 to 100 km-b time
which is now under nine seconds.
Passing and lane changing are now
noticeably quicker in the base mod-
els, and engine responsiveness and
smoothness are much improved.

Fuel economy has been improved
by about 10% for the "95 Maxima,
averaging 9.4 1/100 km (31 m.p.g.).

The standard five-speed manual
transmission is a little stiff, requiring
a firm push or tug to get it from gear
to gear.

The four-speed automatic trans-
mission, on the other hand, is a very
smooth unit that responds quickly to
the accelerator’s input and ts quiet
and unobtrusive,

The Maxima has forsaken its
independent rear suspension for a
new type of bearm suspension which
helps keep the rear wheels vertical

during cornering and improves steer-
ing control. The new multi-link
beam suspension is also more com-
pact and improves trunk space.

I found that cornering on even
road surfaces has beer improved
with better fane-changing control,
though the ride in GXE and GLE
model is softer than you might
expect in a sports sedan. SE models
have a stiffer, sportier suspension.

The previous independent rear
suspension would fare better on
rough, potholed roads where inde-
pendent mation of the rear wheels is
preferred. However, the new multi-
tink beam suspension is definitely
better on the kind of roads most peo-
ple drive every diy.

The Maxima’s body rigidity has
been improved by 10%, and that
translates into less vibration and
noise in the cabin. The Maxima is
certainiy quieter and feels more

Price as tested (GLE) $29,990
Base price (GXE) $24,990

Type four-door, five-passenger
sedan

Layout — transverse
engine/front-wheel drive
Engine 3.0-litre V-6, DOHC,
multi-point fuel injection
Horsepower 190 @ 5,600 p.m.
Torque 205 ft-lbs. @ 4,000
lp.m.

front

solid than before. Overall, I found
the Maxima very enjoyable.

The base price of the Maxima
GXE is a pleasant surprise. At
$24,990 it is actually slightly lower
than last year’s manufacturer's sug-
gested retail price.

Just about everything és standard,
except anti-lock brakes, automatic
transmission, anti-theft system, and
sunroof,

Standard features include four-
wheel disc brakes, dual airbags, air
conditioning, intermittent wipers,
AM/FM cassette stereo, power win-
dows, door locks and mirrors,
tachometer and centre console.

The sporty SE model adds a
slightly stiffer suspension, wider
tires, rear spoiler and alloy wheels.
SE models start at $27,890, and
GLE models at $29,990, The most
expensive model is a fully equipped
SE at $33,290.

Transmission four-speed auto-
matic (five-speed manual std.)
Curb weight 1.361 kg (3,000
Ibs.)

Tires 205/65R 15

Wheelbase 2,700 mm (106.3 in.)
Length 4,768 mm (187.7 in.)
Width 1,770 mm (69.7 in.)
Height |.422 mm (55.7 in.)

Fuel consumption City: 11.1
L/L00 km (25 m.p.g.): Hwy: 7.6
L/100 km (37 m.p.g.)
Warranty Basic 3 yrs/80,000
km; Powertrain: 6 yrs/100.000 km