by Mathieu Yuill

Created on: December 08, 2006   Last Updated: April 22, 2007

Nissan's flagship automobile, the Maxima, is receiving a mid-life makeover. Perfect for all the mid-life crisis buyers looking for a sporty ride they can still fit their teenaged children in.

The sixth-generation Maxima received a redesigned exterior and a refined interior that adds a higher level of luxury and sportiness, Nissan says. In addition, Nissan has added a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on all models. The CVT engine has a different feel than most drivers will be used to. Instead of feeling lag as the engine shifts while accelerating, there is just one continuous torque arc.

Nissan won't be offering a manual transmission but an auto stick feature is standard on all models. Tapping the shifter up and down changed the gears instantaneously and kept the vehicle moving forward without the sensation the Maxima had lost any forward momentum.

CVT transmissions are more fuel-efficient than regular transmissions resulting in lower emissions. Nissan is moving all their sedans to CVT transmissions and hopes to sell one million world wide in the next model year.

But people on the street won't be staring at your transmission as you cruise along the highway. Nissan has redesigned the front fascia, the front hoodline, bumper and given it the signature Nissan grille that will be adorning all Nissan products.

The SE model will have seven spoke, 18-inch big pimpin' wheels and a rear spoiler to give you some street cred. The SL's wheels are 17-inch, but still impressive.

I spent the afternoon behind the wheel of a Maxima 3.5 SL with a navigation unit. This means I was in the top-of-the-line Maxima maxing out at $44,448. The Maxima starts at $36,998. This model, the 3.5 SE 5-seat comes with a 255 horsepower engine (as all trim levels do), the CVT engine (ditto for all models), traction control, ABS, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated cloth seats and steering wheel, intelligent key meaning you don't have to insert it into any holes to unlock or turn the car on, auxiliary input, tire pressure warning, curtain side and front seat side airbags.

You can add leather to this option, a sunroof and a navi unit for more money.

The 3.5 SE 4-seat starts at $42,498 and only has a two-passenger rear seat, leather seats, heated rear seats, a rear centre console, power rear sunshade, HID headlights and a reverse sonar system. There is a sunroof and navi option for this model too.

The interior quality of the Maxima exceeded its predecessor. The centre stack felt high quality: the buttons

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