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C8 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, July 28, 1999 Is Your Warranty About to Expire? 12345 Fainriew St. 4121 Moms Dr. 632-8151 634-4211 CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT. Nissan Maxima blends comfort and performance By Rob Beintema SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The Nissan Maxima surely ranks as one of the best vehicles that Nissan has ever built. First launched in 1980, the Maxima (or Datsun 810 as it was first known) has evolved through many changes and different generations but it was always touted as a "4-door sports car," an image it delivered on with verve and style, bringing power and performance to a mundane middle sedan market­ place. The last generation Maxima, introduced as a '95, added the rear Multi-Link suspension that allowed a longer wheelbase and roomier interior and also saw the debut of the award-winning VQ Series 190 hp V6 engine. Customers drove it, liked it and made the Maxima the best sell­ ing entry of all Japanese V6 sedans. When you've got a winner like that, it's tempting to not mess with success. But here we grow again. For the 2000 model year, Nissan has debuted a brand new flagship Maxima, a redesigned fifth-generation, 4-door sedan with improved levels of perfor­ mance, size, luxury and value. Yes, it's bigger. About an inch longer and a half an inch wider and taller. The wheels have been pulled to the comers, increasing the wheelbase by two inches. The car has a low, hunkered- down look, its muscularity emphasized by 'new, larger wheels framed by pronounced arches. The familiar Maxima grille maintains brand recogni­ tion but a side-by-side compari­ son with a '99 version highlights the differences. The 2000 Maxima is smooth, sleek and, I think, better looking. The base of the windshield has been moved forward two inches. With a steeper rake to both front and rear glass and a higher trunk lid, the Maxima achieves a new level of aerodynamic efficiency. Teardrop shaped side marker lights and flowing wraparound headlights are styled to add a sense of motion to the design. The biggest change is to the strong, sculpted look of the rear end. "We want other drivers to know that they've just been passed by a sedan with confi­ dence and character," said Jerry Hirschberg, Chief Designer at NDI, the Nissan's California design studio that developed this m a d e - f o r - N o r t h - A m e r i c a Maxima. Well, he may be a touch biased but Jerry is never at a loss for words when it comes to a new Nissan product. "We also had the chance to integrate the product," he added. "The world you find on the inside is the world you see on the outside." Sheesh, designers. What he means is that, for once, the North American design team had some influence on the interior, as well as the exterior of the new Maxima. And it's a very comfortable 2000 Nissan Maxima interior. The hip point has been been the 3.0 L engine. When you raised and the steering wheel moved back and down. The raised vantage point provides excellent visibility. Firm seats are butt-friendly with 8-way seat adjustment switches moved for­ ward for easier access. Fold-flat A/C vents compliment the smooth-finish dash. Controls are big and simple with chrome hints on rotary HVAC and audio buttons (the radio is now above the heater controls). A console reminiscent of the former 300ZX features storage and an adjustable armrest. Other interi­ or improvements include new front seat belt adjusters, bigger buttons and longer front and rear door handles. There's plenty of space inside the car, about 2.4 cu.ft. more than last year, thanks to the 2" wheelbase stretch. A good part of the space increase is applied to rear seat knee room but the trunk also gains more luggage capacity. One of the strongest points of the Nissan Maxima has always Upgrading your wheels and tires Upgrading factory wheels and tires to something larger is a popular modification. But how big/small should/can you go? It's crucial to buy a wheel and tire combination that fits your car/trucWminrvan so as not to affect gas mileage, speedometer, ABS and traction control system readings as well as the power at the wheels. All are affected when the overall height of the tire and wheel combination is taller or shorter than what came from the factory. There is a general rule of thumb that helps. Called Plus Sizing, you simpiy add one tire size and reduce the aspect ratio by one unit for each inch in wheel diameter increase. The example below shows how it works. For your exact application, consult a shop that specializes in wheel and tire upgrades. You'll note that the overall height (diameter) of the new combination is the nearty identical to the factory wheels and tires. Factory wheels and tires MUrmrtwt wheels aid tire* AfUrnartet wheels uJtirei Aftermarket wheels mi tires calculated power/weight ratios on the Nissan lineup, the Maxima always came up favor­ ably, better than some so-called sporty cars like the slug 240SX that was finally put to sleep last year. Any improvement to the Maxima's already able V6 would be a bonus but somehow Nissan has managed to milk another whopping 32 horses out of the revised engine, for a class-lead­ ing total of 222 hp @ 6400 rpm. The new heights of power have been attained through better breathing - a larger air intake chamber, new > intake and exhaust manifolds and a variable capacity muffler with a special flap inside that opens above 3000 rpm, easing back pressure. The 2000 Maxima comes in three trim levels. The 5-speed GXE starts at $28,590, about the same price as last year but Nissan estimates that the 2000 model contains $2000 worth of extra equipment. It's almost unfair to consider this an entry level model when you consider included standards like A/C, ABS, heated power mirrors, keyless entry & immobilizer, auto headlights, retained acces­ sory power, power windows and locks, in-glass antenna, cruise, tachometer, variable wipers and I could go on and on. It was kind of depressing to learn that only about five percent of customers opted for the smooth shifting 5-speed but, oh well, the automatic transmission with traction control adds $1,400 and the 17" wheel package bumps up the bottom line anoth­ er $800. Nissan refers to the Maxima SE as its "no compromise sports sedan" and it lists at $34,000 - $2,749 less than last year. The SE adds some GXE option packages and extra goodies like smoked tail lamp lenses, rear spoiler, leather on seats, steering wheel and shifter, front fog lamps, 200 watt BOSE 6-speaker audio with rear mounted woofer and, more importantly, performance enhancements like viscous limit­ ed slip rear differential, sport alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. For those in search of plusher luxury without the need for an ego-stoking upscale Infiniti badge, the GLE lists at $34,900, also priced substantially less than last year and this top-of-the-line model maxxes out the option list with' all the above extras plus wood and chrome trim touches. Regardless of trim level, the 2000 Nissan Maxima offers dri­ vers a unique blend of sports car­ like handling and 5-passenger comfort. I was afraid that mon­ keying with the Maxima might change the dynamics of its dri- vability but it's still a pleasure to drive. In fact, it's even better than it was. The stiffer body, thicker stabilizer bars and revised rear suspension have reduced body roll to a standing equivalent to the last generation 300ZX. Those are the kind of improvements that Nissan feels will keep Maxima customers coming back. As Ian Forsyth, Nissan Canada's marketing director says, "Many buyers are on their third or fourth Maxima - simply because they cannot find a better package." But, hey, don't just read all about it. Visit your local Nissan store and test drive the new 2000 Maxima yourself. * P w N ' S ^ Sale of the Summer! Enter to win 1 of 5 new Yamaha XL700 Waverunners. See dealer fo r de ta ils! i CONSUMER'S DIGEST BEST BUY FOR 1998 1999 Nissan Sentra XE • 115-HP, 1.6L 16V engine • 5-speed manual transmission • Power steering • Dual outside mirrors • Dual cup holders • XE Value option package: air conditioning, 4-speaker AM/FM cassette, digital c lxk #1 SELLING IMPORT V6 COMPACT SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE 1999 Nissan Pathfinder • 170HP, 3.3L S0HC V6 engine • 5-speed manual transmission • Roof rack • Air conditioning • remote keyless entry • Power windows, door locks, heated mirrors • 100 watt AM/FM/CD with cassette stereo with 6 speakers • 4-wheel ABS* Cruise control • Anti-theft system *29,990 A FOUR-TIME CONSUMER'S DIGEST BEST BUY 1999 Nissan Altima GXE > 150-HP, 2.4L D0HC16 valve engine • 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission • Air conditioning • Cruise control » Power windows, antenna, mirrors & Smart Door™ locks 1 AM/FM cassette with 4 speakers • Illuminated entry i a r » ram m Celebrating 25 Years o f Excellent Service. U M l W I L L t 1 4 5 0 SPEERS ROAD, OAKVILLE 827-1177 LTD. Hours: Monday to Thursday til 9pm, Friday & Saturday til 6p m. COPYRIGHT WHEELBASE COMMUNICATIONS BETTER EVER YD A Y L O W PRICES 234 HAYS BLVD., TRAFALGAR & HWY. 5, OAKVILLE Wheel: 17"x7" Tire: 235/40-17 / With each 'Plus', the section width of the tire (in millimeters) increases by one step (usually 10 mm). *14,690 JWheel: Tire: With each step, the aspect ratio (the ratio of sidewall to section width expressed as a per cent) decreases to compensate for the increase in wheel diameter. See Automotive Department for more sizes and prices. EVERY TIRE PURCHASED .AT WAL-MART INCLUDES: • installation • New tire valve • Flat repair • Road hazard warranty • Rotation every 10,000 km • Nationwide warranty ■ Available in stores with Automotive Centres only. LAYAWAYh I H A S S LE -FR E E PL A *, Smart people always read the fine print. And they always wear their seatbelts. Prices exclude freight & PU Pathfinder $960. Sentra $817. Altima $903. plus air tax. gas tax. dealer admin. $125. Taxes and license extra. See Oakville Nissai for detats. Vehicles may not be exactly as shown. With each 'Plus,'wheel width increases to match the increase in section width With each 'Plus,' the wheel diameter increases one inch. High Performance Super C/T Sport Radial Tires A g g re ss ive tre a d d e s ig n f o r a ll-seasons 'S ' speed rated up to 180 km/h A va ila b le in 60 ,6 5 o r 70 se ries (depending on size). Starting from A * 175/70*13 ^ V 2 1 1 " Light-Truck Radial Tires • Namebrand all-position, all season fo r highway driving • Good highway traction and handling fo r a sm ooth ride • Hard-working long, even-wear tread • 2-ply radial polyester w ith 2 sturdy steel belts. Starting from A * 235/ 75*15 * \ 39588 EVERY DAY Trail Mark Radial APR Light Truck and RV Tires • A ll-p o s itio n , a ll-season • A ll- te rra in , agg ress ive t re a d d e s ig n e x c e lle n t f o r a ll-w e a th e r t ra c t io n o n o r o f f road • S p o rty w h ite o r b lack le t te r s idew a lls . Starting from A * 205/ 75* 151975ISLOWl £ v 2 6 3 " (o r 65.97 Each) Ulysses BH All-Season Radial Tires • P assenger a ll-season s te e l-b e lte d rad ia l t ire s • W h ite w a ll s id ew a ll s ty lin g • A va ila b le in 75 a n d 80 se ries (depending on size). Starting from A * 155/ 60*151 WW> 95" rww.. «*«*»*■ lo r 25.97 Each) NISSAN 4 I * I t i 632-8151 634-4211 CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT. By Rob Beintema Upgrading your wheels and tires Factory wheels and tires *PwN'S ^ Sale of the Summer! Enter to win 1 of 5 new Yamaha XL700 Waverunners. See dealer for details! i CONSUMER'S DIGEST BEST BUY FOR 1998 1999 Nissan Sentra XE 1999 Nissan Pathfinder *29,990 A FOUR-TIME CONSUMER'S DIGEST BEST BUY 1999 Nissan Altima GXE UMlWILLt 1450 SPEERS ROAD, OAKVILLE 827-1177 234 HAYS BLVD., TRAFALGAR & HWY. 5, OAKVILLE *14,690 J • installation • New tire valve • Flat repair • Road hazard warranty • Rotation every 10,000 km • Nationwide warranty ■ Available in stores with Automotive Centres only. High Performance Super C/T Sport Radial Tires ^V211" *\39588 £v263" 95" NISSAN i