Overview:
This week I had the pleasure of testing the Infiniti I35 passenger sedan. I always liked the Q45 luxury and look, so this is a nice update of the I30 with similar grill look and the feel inside is similar yet smaller than the Q. It sports more features than its predecessor the I30 and is much faster. In fact you’ll be impressed with its 0-60 quick time of about 7 seconds.
More important for me however is the abundant power at any speed. It just digs down and gives you a boost for launching into fast freeway traffic. Very nice.
It is roomy and the trunk is good sized. Overall this is an easy to like new model to chose from in a very popular price range. With soaring gas prices that may never look back, I believe concerned budget conscious folks will start migrating from their “Gas Guzzling” SUV’s and get real with reasonable transportation like this Infiniti I35.
General Info:
Parts – Japan
Assembly – Japan
Class: – Passenger Luxury Midsize Sedan
Cars: – FX45, G35, I35, M45, Q45, QX4
Handling & Performance:
Generally the car handles nicely. However the suspension needs to be beefed up and smoothed out. I’m not an engineer, but like you who simply know what a good ride is and what isn’t. You get a lot more road noise than I expected for an Infiniti. That’s why it is a “Near Luxury” car. It simply does rather poorly on bumpy roads.
Styling:
Pleasant lines and classy presentation as is the case for most of the upscale Nissan products with the Infiniti badge.
Fit and Finish:
Great. From the inside it has all the earmarks of a classy luxury automobile. Nice simulated word grain trim and leather and appearances of its bigger siblings.
Conveniences:
Great standard equipment listing in this price range. The Bose 200 watt 7-speaker audio system is better than my home model. If you want more you can opt for a sunroof for $1,500, sport package for upgraded wheels and tires and sport tuned suspension (meaning a better handling ride) and computer assisted handling control for $1,800 and a Navigation system with trunk mounted 6-CD player for $2,000.
Cost:
For the money I believe I could put up with a little rougher ride than I prefer. It is well priced when you consider the whole picture.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you are in the market for a near luxury automobile and have looked at the competition noted here, this I35 is a must see. I like it better than the Diamante but would prefer the Volvo badge. This is a real contender in the market today. I believe it will sell well.
The Competition: (in order of avg. price).
Mitsubishi Diamante $26-28,000, Infiniti I35 $28,950, Volvo S0 $26-33,000, Lexus IS300 $29-31,000, Mazda Millennia $28-32,000, Acura TL $29-33,000, Lexus ES300 $31,625, Jaguar X-Type $29-36,000, Saab 9-3 $26-40,000, Audi A4 $25-42,000, Oldsmobile Aurora $34,425, BMW 3-Series $28-43,000, Lincoln LS $32-43,000, Mercedes Benz C-Class $25-50,000.
Good News:
Nice handling, comfortable, fair gas mileage, Japanese quality fit and finish, fast but stops well and the price is very competitive.
Bad News:
Doesn’t handle the bumps well.
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter 255 horsepower V6 engine, 4-speed auto trans, engine speed sensitive power steering, 4 wheel power ABS disc brakes, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, dual front and side air bags, power mirrors, traction control, child safety locks, climate control, trip computer, steering wheel controls for audio and cruise controls, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, power leather seats, audio system with cassette and in dash 6-CD player with speed sensitive audio volume control, alloy wheels, theft deterrent system and remote keyless entry.
Gas Stats:
20 City and 26 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $28,950.
