Nissan has launched its third generation Maxima with all-new styling, more power from the 3.0-litre V6 engine, increased size and enhanced safety features.

The stylish new Maxima is available in three models - S, ST and Ti (the model codes have been revised to match other Nissan model grades).

Most obvious change is the all-new exterior styling, contemporary and distinctive with a large passenger glasshouse and steeper rake for the front and rear windscreens to enhance the cabin’s feel of light and airiness.

Announcing the new Maxima’s arrival is a classically subtle chrome grille and large, contemporary jewel-type halogen headlights with multi parabolic reflectors and combined turn indicators. Range-topping Ti models also feature two driving lights mounted under the front bumper

Rear styling is also all-new and contemporary with large jewel-type rear lights and high boot deck lid. Boot capacity has been increased by 80 litres.

Compared to the previous model, new Maxima is 50 mm longer in the wheelbase, the roof is 20mm higher and the cabin is 10 mm wider.

In its latest form - thanks to a revised intake manifold and fitting of NVIS (Nissan Variable Induction System) plus a revised camshaft profile - the V6 delivers 10 per cent more power (157kW at 6,400 rpm) and five per cent more torque (291 Nm at 3,600 rpm).

Standard features of the engine include micro-finished crank journals and camshaft lobes, molybdenum coated piston skirts and valve shims, digital knock control and six coils (one per spark plug).

The dual cooling system (which provides independent temperature control for the block and cylinder heads) has been improved with the fitting of a thicker radiator and new cooling fans, while a new four point engine mount system with two electronically-controlled fluid-filled mounts delivers reduced NVH.

Since its introduction, Maxima has been praised for its abundance of silky-smooth power - the VQ engine design being named for five consecutive years as one of the "10 Best Engines" by the Detroit-based publication Ward’s Auto World.

Standard transmission remains a four speed electronic automatic, but reinforcements have been made to the planetary gearset and four-point main gear to support the increased power and torque of the V6 engine.

Front suspension is independent with struts, coil springs and anti-roll bar. Fluid-filled front and rear suspension bushings suppress road noise intrusion to the cabin.

S models are fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels, while ST and Ti variants gain five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels. All three models are fitted with power assisted four wheel disc brakes with four-channel, four sensor ABS.

Compared to the superseded model, the new Maxima has 2 mm thicker front discs (280mm diameter vented discs) and large diameter rear discs (278 mm diameter). The ABS processor has been improved from 8 bit to 16 bit for faster reaction.

• steering wheel moved 20mm closer to the driver;

• steering column angle reduced by one degree:

• gearshift lever moved 20mm closer to the driver;

There is a new dashboard design and new instrument layout, as well as new stylish interior trim material (leather on the range-topping T model). ST and T models feature an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and the T also provides four way power adjustment for the passenger’s seat.

ST and Ti models gain simulated wood tone interior trim, boot-mounted six-stacker CD player with six speaker audio system and climate control air-conditioning with outside temperature display. Ti models also feature an electronic glass sunroof with rear tilt and sunshade.

At impact, the active head restraint system mechanically moves the head restraints upwards and forward, supporting the occupants’ heads. Springs in the seat structures return the headrests to their normal positions after the collision. There are three adjustable rear head restraints in all model grades.

All models come standard with driver and front passenger three-point ELR seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. In addition, all models have three, three-point ELR rear seat belts, the outer two fitted with ALR. And the rear seat features a 60/40 split - another first for Maxima.

Standard on all models is remote keyless entry which incorporates NATS (Nissan AntiTheft System). A computer microchip transponder mounted in the vehicle’s key, when inserted into the ignition, sends its ID code to the engine control unit and if it is not matched the engine will not run.

In yet another first for Nissan, the new Maxima has ‘asymmetric’ windscreen wipers - the blades are of unequal length and move in a different arc compared to conventional wiper blades to give a larger swept area for increased visibility in wet conditions.

According to Nissan Australia’s marketing manager for passenger vehicles, Mr Philip Brook, the new Maxima is priced for immediate impact in the prestige sedan segment.

"Maxima’s segment-leading value-for money position is broadly acknowledged and, with the significantly improved specifications of the new model, it is our intention to further improve that position," Mr Brook said.

Maxima Ti - $47,990