Nissan's J32 Maxima is an often-overlooked large car challenger and just commands a little share of the section.

Even in the main 350Ti's $46,990 pricetag, it is a really great car for your cash.

INSIDE

Quality: Materials and construct quality are well above par, and noticeably much better compared to the Maxima's Australianbuilt rivals.

There are lots of soft leatherupholstered surfaces as well as the true quality of the disguise is great, if a little slick.

The center console with its alloylook console plastics is a small basic and featureless, however, in keeping with the Maxima's clear, flowing interior-design.

Comfort:

The front seats provide exceptional help though, as does the back seat.

Three smallish adults can certainly sit over the back seat, with only two individuals it is absolutely lavish.

Headroom and legroom is abundant in the rear, plus a big center armrest is conventional.

Gear: The Maxima 350Ti is wellspecced, coming standard with satellite navigation, double - zone climate-control, cruise-control, trip computer, autoon xenon headlamps plus a key.

Other new functions added for 2012 add a camera, which exhibits the kerbside front corner of the automobile to help parking.

The xenon headlights now also become corners to aid in improving eyesight during the night. Annoyingly although, front parking sensors are nowhere found in the Maxima's spec list.

A rear-view camera is standard in the Ti, however, with the Maxima's breadth, front overhang and big nose, the omission of front parking sensors can be a genuine oversight.

Storage:

Unfortunately, the rear seats do not fold down to enable larger things to be carried.

TRAVELING

Functionality is powerful with loads of lowdown torque, along with the CVT automatic it is coupled to is among the very best around.

The engine scarcely needs over 2500rpm during regular city driving, but both gear box and engine react quickly to demands for further power.

It is effective at delivering a shove in the trunk also, and overtaking at highway speeds can be a wind.

The CVT includes a sixratio manual-shift mode, which shifts gears easily and swiftly for a sportier driving experience.

Refinement: The cottage is nicely isolated from vibration and sound, with only a bit of tyre roar on coarser tarmac.

The Maxima feels much more cosseting than its opponents, thanks to quite a smooth ride and a quieter cabin.

Suspension:

The steering feels somewhat dead around town, but firms up significantly at faster speeds. Its 11.4 metre turning circle is somewhat to the broad side however.

Braking: Braking performance is great, with the Maxima's alldisc system ceasing its 1600kg-plus weight effortlessly.

The pedal is open with consistent feel underfoot.

SECURITY

ANCAP rating: Not analyzed.

Safety features: Standard safety features include traction-control, stability-control, ABS, EBD and brake support.

Passengers are guarded by frontside airbags and front, front active headrests, front pretensioning seatbelts and fulllength drape airbags.

WARRANTY AND SERVICING

Support prices: Servicing intervals are established for each 6 months or 10,000km, with all the initial 12 services included in Nissan's capped-cost servicing scheme.

The very first main support arrives at 60 months/100,000km, and expenses $792.

THE WAY THAT IT COMPARES | AFFORDABILITY

The Maxima outguns it nevertheless for attributes and refinement. (see Falcon reviews)

The Aurion is at the end-of its own lifetime and due for an alternative after in 2013, therefore it looks and feels dated within this business.

(see Aurion reviews)

It handles well for an automobile of its own dimensions too; but is bettered by the Maxima's pampering qualities and top quality furnishings. (see Calais reviews)

Note: all prices are Maker's List Price and don't include dealer delivery or onroad charges.

TMR VERDICT | OVERALL

It might not immediately conjure up pictures of luxury and refinement, however, the Maxima 350 Ti provides just that and is a correctly fine car to drive.

The dearth of front parking and reachadjustable steering - sensors count against it, but, when stacked against its key competitors these lapses aside, the Ti provides really good-value for money.