Earlier this week at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, Nissan showed off their latest design study in the form of the Nissan Sport Sedan Concept. Part of a retooling effort of the brand’s overall style, the Sport Sedan Concept is likely a thinly veiled teaser of the design cues we should expect to see in the next Maxima.
Not only is a well-executed transmission important for a car to function properly, it is also one of the most important features in terms of engaging the driver. The way a car shifts determines how power is applied, and it also provides a driver with the sort of feedback we look for in an involving vehicle.
The Murano works, within the bounds of its SUV/Crossover package, because of some pretty basic engineering. First off, the steering is direct rather than sloppy, and though it isn’t sports-car communicative at least it doesn’t get in the way. Secondly, the CVT, which inherently wants to slip as it adjusts its gear ratios, actually feels more hooked up and responsive than many a traditional automatic. Fortunately, the tendency of the CVT to hold an rpm level is mitigated by two wise choices that Nissan made. The Murano carries lots of sound deadening, so you don’t really hear the engine droning away, though technically that’s what it is doing. On top of that, when you want more than a gradual change in speed, the CVT adjusts its ratio progressively, so you have some feeling of rising rpm to match your subconscious desire for appropriate feedback.
Cars like our Nissan Versa 1.8 SL, are generally chuckable and zippy, which is an excellent recipe for a fun-to-drive car. Unfortunately, our Versa was fitted with an infernal continuously variable transmission.