Facelifted Maxima to get CVT auto

NISSAN will drop the four-speed automatic in its Maxima large car in favour of a continuously variant transmission (CVT) when the facelifted model arrives next month.

The 170kW/333Nm 3.5-litre V6 carries over, however, Nissan claims the CVT will deliver better fuel economy than the conventional automatic as well as offer tiptronic-style self-shifting.

Compared with the previous model, fuel consumption will drop 3.5 per cent from11.2L/100km to 10.8L/100km.

Visually the facelifted Maxima will gain more chrome, new bumpers, grille andfoglights and LED brake lights.



Standard across the two-model (ST and Ti) range will be a Control Safety System offering greater control and stability through the application of electronic brake distribution, an anti-lock braking system, brake assist and vehicle dynamic control.

Inside the car will lose the faux wood trim for a modern-looking brushed metallic-look centre console, dashboard and door trims. Leather trim will also now be standard.

Pricing will hold firm, with the entry ST-L starting from $39,990 and the Ti (which will add ultrasonic parking sensors) retailing from $44,990.

The Ti-L grade model has been dropped and the rear-seat entertainment system, which was standard on the Ti-L, will become an option on Ti.