The Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV combines performance and luxury.

Under the hood of this “four-door sports car” – that’s the description of one publication – is a 3.5-liter double overhead camshaft 24-valve V-6 engine, providing 290 horsepower along with 261 pound-foot torque.

The 2012 model is helped out by a continuously variable transmission, front-wheel drive and sporty 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Maxima is available at Tracy Nissan, 3195 N. Naglee Road.

Car and Driver called the 2012 model “the best-looking Maxima in a while.”

U.S. News and World Report said “the Maxima is a competent performer that out-accelerates and out-handles many sedans at the same price point.”

What this Nissan has is comfort and convenience, including:

•Eight-way power driver’s seat.

•Driver’s seat power lumbar support.

•Four-way power passenger seats along with a 60/40 split fold-down rear bench seats.

•Leather-appointed seats.

•Leather-wrapped steering wheel.

•Manual tilt/telescopic steering column.

•Cruise control.

•Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

•Bose audio system and AM/FM in-dash six-CD changer with MP3 playback capability.

•Auxiliary audio input jacks.

•Multi-function trip computer.

The Maxima also has plenty of safety features. Try the Nissan advanced air bag system with front seat-mounted air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags, anti-lock breaking system, traction control system, and vehicle security system, to name a few.

Exterior features include rear combination lamps with LED, front fog lights, and power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators.

As for fuel efficiency, this Nissan gets an estimated 19 miles per gallon city – expected range, based on driving habits, is 15 to 23 mpg – and 26 mpg highway (21 to 31 mpg is the expected range for most drivers).

For more information, call Tracy Nissan at 209-820-6000 or log on to www.tracynissan.com.