The 2009 Maxima marks the seventh generation of Nissan's big sedan. The name has been around at least 27 years, and before that it was known as the Datsun 810.

That's uncommon name longevity in an industry in which some makers throw away great names for confusing alphanumeric identifiers.

The previous Maxima was no slouch, but it had lost some of its handling edge. In addition, the huge success of the smaller Altima sedan took attention from the flagship.

Customers said that Maxima was maxed out in size and that they wanted it to go back to being a performance bargain, said Nissan product planner Scott Pak, 34, who is based at Nissan North America headquarters in Nashville, Tenn.

"So while just about every sedan in the midsize segment has gotten bigger, the new Maxima is a little smaller," he said.

The wheelbase was pulled in 2 inches, the overall length has been shortened, but it has been widened for a dominant sport-sedan presence, Pak said.

The car is sold in two models, and pricing starts at $29,950 for the Maxima S and $32,650 for the Maxima SV, including the $660 destination charge. The SV test car was $37,290 with options.

Maxima competitors are varied, ranging from Toyota's Camry and Avalon to Honda's Accord and Acura's TL. Some buyers will even include the Chevy Impala, Ford Five Hundred and Chrysler 300.

The BMW 3-series isn't considered a direct competitor, but I kept comparing the drive experience to the BMW. The steering clearly communicates car and road information and the suspension easily transfers weight and plants the car for cornering. And it does all that with just thumbs and forefingers pinched lightly on the steering wheel.

Making the car smaller also increased handling response. The shorter wheelbase gives it a tighter handling feel, Pak said. The turning circle is a handy 37.4 feet. And the sport package - with 19-inch wheels, summer tires and sport suspension - doesn't beat up occupants.

The 290-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 has 35 hp more than the '08 Maxima, and it beats Altima by 20 hp.

"Torque steer is gone," Pak said. "It is hard to tell this is a front-wheel-drive car."

Throttle uptake is responsive and the braking is refined from the 12-inch-plus vented discs front and rear.

Paddle shifters are mounted on the steering column, not the wheel. Drivers won't fumble as they feel for the big, metallic-like blades that are always upright and in position for gear changes.

The only transmission offered is a continuously variable automatic. A CVT isn't generally sport-sedan material, but Nissan's Xtronic with "intelligence" is almost as enjoyable as an automated-manual transmission. A Drive Sport mode simulates the shift points of a six-speed automatic.

Hit the gas hard for passing power, and there is immediate acceleration. There is no hesitation; a standard automatic would grab a big breath, then slam a couple of downshifts and roar.

Highway fuel economy is a tad better at 26 mpg and 19 mpg city.

Manufacturing ability and design are uniquely Maxima.

Step back and run an eye along the side. From the boomerang cutouts at the headlights to the Coke-bottle hips at the rear quarter, the look is solid but fluid. And not easy to do.

"Most manufacturers will avoid 'hips' because of the manufacturing difficulties," Pak said.

The design treatment is big, but it makes the car look undertired even with 19-inch wheels. LED taillights, oversized exhaust tips and the optional dual-panel moonroof also separate it from Altima.

The interior is inviting and involved, with padded armrests and soft points as only Nissan does. Unique features include two grades of optional leather with handsome double stitching. The front seats have thigh-support extenders and the driver's seat is wider to accommodate a range of body sizes. The shift lever is also offset toward the driver. The foot-pumper parking brake - instead of a hand brake - opens space to add cup holders, a larger console storage and a separate cubby. Gauges are lighted and the glove box is large and locking.

The new Maxima has emotional design and performance, which may be just too much car for many buyers in this segment. But product planner Pak insists Maxima has a dual nature.

"For those Camry-Accord-Avalon buyers who want something reliable and roomy, smooth and quiet, Maxima can work for them as well."

SPEC BOX

2009 Nissan Maxima SV

Body style: midsize, five-passenger, front-wheel-drive sedan with aluminum-alloy hood

Engine: aluminum, DOHC, 3.5-liter V-6 with continuously variable valve timing

Horsepower: 290 at 6,400 rpm

Torque: 261 at 4,400 rpm

Transmission: Xtronic continuously variable automatic with adaptive shift control, Drive Sport mode and steering-column mounted paddle shifterers

EPA fuel economy estimates: 19 mpg city, 26 highway; 91 octane recommended

Fuel capacity: 20 gallons

DIMENSIONS

Trunk space: 14.2 cubic feet

Front head/leg/shoulder room: *38.8/43.8/56.3 inches (*headroom with dual-pane moonroof)

Length/wheelbase: 190.6/109.3 inches

Curb weight: 3,579 pounds

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: remote locking with Intelligent key and pushbutton starting, power tilt-slide moonroof, power mirrors with integrated turn signals, nine-speaker Bose audio system with six-disc CD and MP3 playback, 60/40 split rear seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, lighted gauges, lockable glove box,

Safety features include: dual-stage front air bags, seat-mounted side bags, roof-mounted air curtains, active front headrests, front belts have pretensioners and load limiters; power assisted four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution;

PRICING

Base: $32,650, including $660 freight charge; price as tested, $37,290

Options on test car: Sport package, $2,300; Tech package, $2,250; floor mats and trunk mat, $180

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com.

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