Infiniti G20 compact luxury sedan honed on European tracks
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Glimmering in spotlights as it twirled on a turntable at the New York International Auto Show last spring, a new G20 compact luxury sedan by the Infiniti spin-up brand of Japan's Nissan appeared as sleek and sophisticated in style yet decidedly Japanese in execution and, presumably, vaguely unremarkable in action.
That rather bland yet still pleasing outward appearance of the new sedan, which reaches the North American car market this fall, fails to convey its active personality as honed on European race tracks.
Fact is, G20 can run circles around most other Japanese sedans and actually it competes favorably against some pricy compact sedans from Europe.
A week of experience driving the touring version, G20t, proved that point and revealed that Infiniti's designers have concocted an impressive new car that stands now at the entry point to the upscale line.
Although the look of new G20 still evokes images of its predecessor, which was deleted two years ago, this version has only a few points in common, such as the same wheelbase of 100.4 inches, the front-wheel-drive format and a twin-cam 4-cylinder powerplant with both automatic and manual transmission options.
The new edition borrows the platform of a successful European model, Primera, with chassis and suspension engineering developed at Nissan's technical center in Japan and the European counterpart in England.
To hone that chassis, engineers shifted to temporary quarters in Germany and ran more than 100,000 miles of rigorous tests through the 176 turns of a 14-mile course at the Nurburgring race track.
That resulted in an independent suspension system with unique multi-link rigging in front, which magically manages to eliminate pesky torque steer from a front-wheel-drive platform, and a multi-link rear beam arrangement.
The compact beam in back, combining qualities of a torsion beam axle with characteristics of a multi-link system, not only shapes a smoother ride quality but contributes stability when cornering by reducing the potentially dangerous tendency of trailing rear wheels in a front-wheel-drive system from swinging wide in oversteer.
What the driver notices from this design is the uncanny ability of G20 to keep tires planted on pavement during emergency quick-turn maneuvers, such as a worst-case scenario of having to steer around an object that suddenly appears in your path. Unlike other front-wheel-drive vehicles which can slip the rear tires at a critical point during such a severe turn, this one remains on track in a sure-grip feat that can carry you around the danger safely.
Such behavioral tricks also translate to sporty moves, and that's where the fun comes into play, which is what some of the European sedans provide.
Safety systems for G20 begin with a rigid structural system developed to provide front and rear crumple zones, plus special reinforcements on each side to shield against side impacts.
In addition, dual front airbags as well as side-impact bags are in place to protect riders in front seats, along with an energy-absorbing steering column and height-adjustable seatbelt anchors.
The G20 utilizes a power-assisted brake system with big disc at every wheel. Anti-lock controls tie to the brakes as a standard on both versions, and quick-to-respond speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering defines a further mechanism geared toward safety.
The cabin layout provides twin front bucket seats separated by console and a rear bench with sculptured positions for two but space for three in a pinch.
Rear seatbacks split in 60/40 proportion to reach the trunk compartment, which offers a generous area comprising 14.2 cubic feet, more than most compacts deliver.
Front seats, extremely comfortable, come from the QX4, Infiniti's sport-utility wagon.
The instrument panel appears conservative in design but skewed toward a luxury car. Analog gauges include a tachometer in easy-to-see grouping. Controls in the cockpit seem conveniently set and easy to reach, and an overall assessment comes up with more than expected assets.
As for power, G20 also goes beyond class standards.
The high-tech aluminum in-line engine, with dual overhead cams and four valves in each of four cylinders, displaces 2.0 liters and produces 140 horsepower and 132 lbs/ft of torque.
It runs to redline at high rpms and works best when revved high, particularly through lower gears.
This is essentially the same engine that powered the former G20, although it has been tweaked and tuned for quieter and more efficient operation, and motor mounts are better in this application so there's far less vibration.
Both an electronic automatic 4-speed automatic transmission and a manual 5-speed connect to the plant, but the sporty flavor of G20 shines best with the stick.
The liveliest version, with touring gear, is the G20t.
It adds a viscous limited-slip differential, low-profile 16-inch performance tires, fog lamps and tail spoiler, plus leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
The standard edition, G20, already provides power equipment to operate steering and brakes, windows and doors, as well as exterior mirrors. In addition, there's an adjustable steering column, interval windshield wipers and rear defroster.
An impressive 100-watt Bose audio system also scores as standard, with six speakers, AM-FM radio, cassette and compact disc players.
On the brief list of options, a package of leather and convenience items brings leather seat upholstery, power sliding moonroof, automatic climate controls, power driver's seat and HomeLink universal transceiver.
What about pricing?
The entry point of $21,495 includes a fee to deliver G20 to an Infiniti dealer. The Touring edition loads another $1,000 to the bottom line, and the leather package runs the tab for $1,500 more.
Infiniti marketeers predict the majority of sales will amount to a standard G20 outfitted for automatic shifter, leather trim and moonroof, which tallies to $23,790.
1999 INFINITI G20 SEDAN
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| 1999 INFINITI G20 VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Compact luxury sedan |
| Model Options: |
Compact luxury sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
100.4 inches |
| Overall Length: |
177.5 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.0-L I4
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
4 |
| Gas Mileage: |
22/28 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 21,500 to $ 25,000 |
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