Nissan Maxima

Cash-strapped Nissan elected to reclothe the A32 Maxima in a bigger, sleeker and wider body.

The cabin was also new while underneath lurked revised suspension for improved ride and handling qualities, while an engine upgrade saw the 3.0 V6 now produce 157kW of power.

Again three models were offered – now known as S, ST and Ti – and all featured dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, CD player, cruise control and split fold seats.

The Ti also had anti-whiplash headrests, a sunroof, leather trim and heated front seats.

New badges and trim marked and the inclusion of side airbags on the Ti summed up the October 2001 upgrade, while a year later another round of specification improvements saw the demise of the S and the addition of the sporty ST-R.

A totally new-look Maxima based on the Japanese market Nissan Teana replaced the A33 in late 2003.