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Infiniti I30 emerges as the affordable mid-size luxury sedan
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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Infiniti, that upscale spin-off by the Nissan brand from Japan, has devised a new mid-size luxury sedan equipped with sensuous exterior lines, plush interior perks and lusty horsepower derived from a spirited aluminum engine.
It looks stylish and elegant in an understatement that speaks of reserved classiness.
It feels extravagant on the inside with indulgent amenities which go far beyond the realm of necessity.
It behaves in an aggressive manner, but manages to serve up the taut and agile attributes of a mega-bucks European touring sedan.
Then there's the unusual pricing strategy: Although this new car provides so many of the perks found on Infiniti's ultimate Q45 sedan which lists for more than $50,000, it comes to market wearing sticker figures you won't have to hock the house to pay for.
Infiniti labels its new entry the I30.
Essentially, it's a Nissan Maxima with minor sheetmetal modifications, the suspension retuned and an interior outfitted with more luxury gear.
Calling the I30 a fancy Maxima isn't a derogatory remark, please understand, because Maxima, introduced last year in handsome new package with powerful new engine, has become an entirely likeable sedan with one of the best powertrains in class.
Its aluminum-block V6 pumps 190 hp and provides a broad range of power through all gears for quick responses.
Thanks to its high production of torque, this plant installed in new I30 delivers the quick accelerations and speed surges you'd expect to feel in Q45 with its V8 aboard.
Independent performance tests indicate I30 can leap from a standing stop to 60 mph in seven seconds flat.
It also feels fun to drive, due to the energetic powertrain and active on-board handling hardware.
In personal tests along Louisiana freeways and back routes encircling New Orleans, my most difficult task came from reining I30's engine.
Unless I paid careful attention to peddle pressure, this car would zip to illegal speeds faster than I could say, "Hello, Officer."
And sport-minded drivers take note: Infiniti throws in a 5-speed manual transmission option for base and I30t touring editions.
As a dedicated shift-it-yourself fan, I spent a week steering the I30t with 5-speed stick over familiar home circuits and found this experience not only emotionally satisfying, but at times -- during stop-light getaways or quick-cut curve courses -- utterly pleasurable.
Hard to imagine such wheel thrills coming from a machine designed to coddle the rider with luxury fittings, but that's the dual nature of Infiniti's I30.
Besides providing kicks while driving and excessive comforts within, I30 made me feel special about driving it as a result of that refined exterior statement.
The look begins at the nose with a distinctive grille that's heavy on chrome in the European manner. Softly rounded corners, aero-style, define this car with its greenhouse wrap of windows and oval sectional shape.
Its chassis, with generous wheelbase stretching almost nine feet, also expands into a broad platform which sets up a highly stable riding stance for cornering plus a spacious passenger cabin. Still, front and rear overhangs were pared to a minimum because of a space-effective front-wheel-drive drivetrain and the rear suspension's multi-link beam axle.
This means easy effort for parking the I30 in tight spaces, and on the inside more room for people, particularly in rear quarters where legroom in the back seat rivals that of some full-size sedans.
Active and passive safety systems exceed the required.
The list includes everything from dual airbags and power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes linked with a 4-channel anti-lock system to structural elements such as front and rear crumple zones and steel door beams.
Infiniti's I30 splits into three variations: Standard, Leather and Touring.
A base version carries cloth-covered seats but a stunning list of standard comfort features, including automatic climate system.
Its price falls below $30,000 to $28,420.
For the optional 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic controls and sporty shift modes, you must add extra digits to this base figure, by the way.
Included features of I30 Standard begin with an instrument panel equipped with bold analog gauges together with tachometer, then extend to a leather-wrapped steering wheel, simulated wood appointments on dash and doors, bright chrome door handles and fine cloth seat upholstery.
The twin front bucket seats feel as comfortable and solid as Europeans produce, and a back bench provides sculptured indents for two but room for three.
Pull down the rear center armrest and you'll discover a concealed pass-through to the trunk for hauling long items in a pinch, like snow skis.
Amazingly, this entry-level edition packs a 200-watt Bose audio system with in-dash compact disc player and six speakers sprinkled around the cabin. Further, front buckets use 8-way power controls for driver and 4-way movements for front passenger.
Infiniti's I30 Leather, priced at $31,120, adds what the name implies, and the plush feel of leather seating seems luxurious indeed.
Other I30 Leather assets include the automatic transmission and a power sliding glass sunroof, as well as integrated programmable controls for remote-controlled operation of garage door, gate or home lighting.
For $33,720, the I30t gets a rear spoiler to denote sport flavoring.
This Infiniti goes even further for performance gear with the addition of stiff sport-tuned suspension components and a traction control system, heated front seats and exterior mirrors, limited-slip differential and 15-inch radials mounted to alloy wheels.
1996 INFINITI I30
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1996 INFINITI I30 Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size luxury sedan |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size luxury sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
106.3 inches |
| Overall Length: |
189.6 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 3.0-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
21/28 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 28,500 to $ 35,000 |
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