A30 Maxima

The Japan-built but US-designed Maxima arrived in mid-’90 to lukewarm reviews and sales.

Based on the front-wheel drive Pintara platform, Nissan pitched it against the strong selling Toyota Cressida and Ford Fairlane.

Two four-door sedan models – called M and Ti – were launched, powered by a 122kW 3.0-litre fuel-injected V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

The Ti added climate control air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, electric seats and a gimmicky PIN touch-pad locking system to the M’s air-conditioning, power steering, cruise control, power windows, alloy wheels and central locking.

The M-based LE of late 1991 featured a CD player and sunroof.