Slipping under the radar
Nissan's capable I35 goes its own way virtually unnoticed

With the profusion of cars available to we lucky Canadians, it's not surprising that one slips off the radar scope every now and then - mine and perhaps yours too. This, I realized, is what had happened with Infiniti's I35 luxury sport sedan.

This good-looking, well-equipped and strong performer has been a stalwart of the brand since its introduction in 1995. It was launched in British Columbia and I waxed more than a little enthusiastic about my debut drive at the time. But, I realized recently that I hadn't been at the wheel of one since then.

Not all that surprising, perhaps, as there have been a number of exciting new Infiniti models to drive recently - something I soon set about remedying.

The I35 is available in two versions Luxury and Sport, the former priced at $39,700 and the latter at $42,700. I spent a week with the Luxury model.

The Infiniti brand was a slow starter out of the blocks when Japanese carmakers decided to compete with the domestic and European luxury labels in the race for North American's luxury car dollars. But recently its pace has picked up dramatically. In fact, Infiniti finally seems to have come into its own as part of the amazing turnaround at parent Nissan. With first-half '03 sales up a remarkable 54.9 per cent, that's a jump in volume terms from 3,033 in the first six months of 2002 to 4,695 this year.

Much as Lexus did with its similarly positioned ES 300 sedan (basing it on the mid-size Camry's platform and engine) so too did Infiniti base the original I30 on its Maxima model. The current version, now tagged the I35, was introduced for the 2002 model year and is also Maxima based. The change in name denotes an upgrade from 3.0-litre V6 power to the current 3.5-litre V6 engine.

This Nissan V6 is one of the best production engines on the planet. It's smooth, powerful, emission friendly, reliable and produces 255 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. That drives the I35's front wheels through a 4-speed automatic, while many of its rivals offer a 5-speed automatic. But, to be honest, you won't really notice much difference. This engine has so much power and torque an extra ratio in the box isn't entirely necessary.

My stopwatch told the tale. The 1500 kg sedan required 7.9 seconds to get to 100 km/h (with the traction control switched off and just a little wheelspin). The 80 to 120 km/h passing sprint took a very quick 5.6 seconds. A 5-speed might improve these numbers a bit and maybe nudge the 12.1 litres per 100 km city and 8.2 highway fuel economy figures up a smidgen. Traction control helps keep unwanted wheelspin at bay.

The I35's suspension employs MacPherson struts at the front end and a multi-link system at the rear. Four disc brakes with anti-lock are standard and work very effectively through a nicely firm pedal. Steering feel is solidly reassuring and the car responds to driver inputs promptly, thanks to a suspension with a fair degree of firmness dialled in (bumps don't go by unnoticed). But I was surprised to feel a little vibration through the steering column.

Body roll is apparent, but nicely controlled. The I35's suspension isn't really sporty, but the car is tied down enough to make you feel secure if you decide to push things along a little quickly. Call it confident.

Styling was revised to bring the I35 in line with the current generation Infiniti family look - and distance it a tad more from the Maxima. Front and rear ends were modified, successfully in my book, tying together into a strong, well defined, eye-pleasing shape.

A roomy interior is nicely laid out with some light burl woodtone inserts here and there, including top and bottom portions of the leather-wrapped steering wheel rim (which also contains stereo and cruise controls). Something of a bits-and-pieces approach has been taken to the instrument panel. It's not as clean as it might be but is attractive enough and contains clearly marked analogue-style gauges, plus stereo and HVAC controls that are easy to use and lend a quality feel.

All the usual stuff you'd expect to find in a car in this highly competitive bracket is there. Cruise control, automatic climate control, tilt steering wheel, power windows, mirrors, locks, speed sensitive volume control and keyless remote entry top the list. A trip computer with outside temperature display, auto on/off headlamps, a compass and Homelink are also provided. Front and side airbags, active head restraints, anti-lock brakes and traction control take care of safety concerns.

The I35 is a very nice overall package. In fact, the only thing really wrong with the I35 is that you can buy a similarly equipped Maxima for considerably less. Or pay about the same for the new rear-drive G35 sedan, which offers much the same level of equipment - and better driving dynamics.

Immediate competition:
Acura 3.2 TL, BMW 3 Series, Hyundai XG 350, Lexus ES 300, Lincoln LS V6, Saab 93, Volvo S60