YES, this is a Nissan Maxima, but a Nissan Maxima well on the way to realising the potential that's always been lurking. With a V6 heart already recognised as one of the best sedan-car engines on the planet, revolutionary (for Nissan) styling that closes the gap between Japan and Europe and an interior decorator's dream cabin, the new car is a real contender at the bottom end of the prestige market. It's also bigger inside even though it's smaller outside, lighter and more feature-laden, and is very competitively priced. Deficits? The suspension is soft, cushy and doesn't promote on-road agility.