2002 INFINITI I35 Nissan has restyled and improved the I30 to the point of giving it a new name, I35, marking the arrival of the new 3.5-litre engine in replacement of the 3.0L. The I35 also received a restyled front and rear, an improved rear suspension, bigger front brake discs and new leather seats, among other things. A front-drive, four-door sedan, the I35 is available in luxury and sport trim lines. Though often described as a luxury version of the Nissan Maxima with which it shares many of its basic components, it has many exclusive features of its own. Interior and trunk The front and rear doors open wide to make it easier to get in and out. The parking brake pedal may be a hindrance for some drivers on the way in or when they want to use the footrest. The front buckets are very comfortable, with adjustable lumbar support on the driver’s side. Both front seats have good side support and drivers quickly feel right at home. The rear seat provides adequate comfort in the outboard positions but not in the middle because of the rounded seat bottom and the centre armrest that folds into the backrest. Both sections of the split/fold seat back can be locked. Legroom is generous, but headroom is limited for tall people. A motorized rear-window sunshade screens the passengers from the sun The I35 has a finer grade of leather upholstery than the Maxima and offers a heated seat in the back as well as in front. Rear passengers also have the convenience of grab handles on the back of the front seats, similar to the assist bars over the doors. The trunk is relatively roomy and has a good opening, flat floor and low sill, as well as tie- downs, a strap to restrain a bottle of windshield fluid and a package net. The hinges of the trunk lid are not recessed and could damage anything placed directly underneath. Safety and convenience The I35 is impeccably finished. Though quieter than the Maxima, it is not sufficiently soundproofed against wind and road noise. The climate control system is very efficient, but it has to be set manually to divide the air flow between the windshield and floor vents, and the fan is noisy in as low as second speed. The new I35 eliminates several irritants of the preceding generation. The outside temperature now appears in a permanent display, the big radio volume and heater control knobs are no longer identical and a mist mode has been engineered into the wiper functions. However, all controls should be lit at night, particularly the ones mounted on the steering wheel. Safety features include dual front and side air bags, four-wheel disc brakes, five adjustable head restraints that lock in position, powerful headlights and good visibility, except to the rear. The front head restraints move ahead mechanically in a rear collision to protect against whiplash. Engine and transmission The 3.5-litre V-6 puts out 255 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque, providing deep power reserves for impressive launch and passing acceleration. It is responsive, nicely sonorous and extremely smooth. This family of V-6s has been considered the one of the best in the industry for several years. However, drivers have to be light-footed to keep fuel consumption below 14 L/100 km (20 mpg) and watch out for torque steer in heavy acceleration. The automatic transmission that feeds power to the front wheels shifts almost imperceptibly most of the time. It has only four gears, one less than almost all its European competitors. Hopefully, the next generation will have a fifth gear or perhaps a continuously variable gearbox. On the road The suspension provides a superbly smooth ride on most surfaces. It reacts a bit firmly at times but never to the point of disturbing passenger comfort. The I35 handles extremely well in curves and as long as the road is reasonably smooth, it easily holds its trajectory. On bumpy curves, however, the solid rear trailing arm suspension reveals its limits by letting the rear end veer slightly off course, something a well-tuned independent suspension would not do. Overall, the I35 delivers a feeling of solid imperturbability. Steering is accurate and reasonably quick but heavy at low speed and lacking in road feel. The long turning circle does not favour handling and complicates maneuvers in tight quarters. Braking is excellent in all circumstances. At the CAA-Quebec inspection centre, the I35 proved sturdy and well built. However, the front backing plates are too small to protect the whole disc surface, and the gas filler pipe needs better protection against stones that could be thrown up by the rear left wheel. For 2002, a 6-year/110,000-km warranty on the drivetrain replaces the former 6-year/100,000- km major component warranty. Conclusion Why pay more for the I35, given that it shares so many components with the Nissan Maxima? The answer can be found in the level of equipment (some exclusive to the I35), finer-grained leather, soundproofing that is better even if not perfect, a more generous warranty and very attentive after-sales service, including a courtesy vehicle and a thorough cleaning inside and out at each visit. It should be noted, however, that maintenance costs are higher than for a Nissan product. This excellent vehicle also has two trim levels with distinct suspension tunings to satisfy two types of buyers: a sport version, for more sporty driving, and a luxury version, which leans more to firmly supple comfort. FOR AGAINST Smooth, responsive engine Perfectible sound insulation Smooth transmission Poorly located emergency brake Comfortable seats Long turning circle Handling Unlighted controls Generous standard equipment Steering heaviness at low speed Quality of assembly Trunk lid hinges 2002 INFINITI I35 Engine: 24-valve 3.5-litre V-6 Horsepower: 255 h.p. @ 5,800 rpm Torque: 246 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm Transmission: 4-speed automatic Suspension: independent/rigid axle with Brakes: 4-wheel disc trailing arm Length: 492 cm Width: 178.3 cm Height: 144 cm Wheelbase: 275 cm Weight: 1,495 to 1, 523 kg Tires: P215/55R17; P225/50R17 Towing capacity: 454 kg Air bags: standard front and side Fuel consumption: Transport Canada rating: city: 12.1 km (23 mpg); highway: 8.3 L/100 km (34 mpg) Test result: 14 L/100 (20 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 7.2 seconds 60-100 km/h: 5.5seconds Competition: Acura 3.2TL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Chrysler 300M, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus ES 300, Mercedes C-Class, Oldsmobile Aurora, Saab 95, Volvo S60 Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 3 months/6,000 km; total cost to 100,000 km: $1,650 Warranty: Full basic coverage: 4 years/100,000 km Powertrain: 6 years/110,000 km Surface corrosion: 4 years/100,000 km Perforation damage: 7 years/unlimited mileage Emissions control system: 4 years/100,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and on-board diagnostic device) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $630 Front brake disk: $105 Brake pads: $103 Muffler: $375 Front fender: $275 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $834 to $1,395 Price according to trim line: Luxury: $39,500 Sport: $42,500 Main options: Sunroof and sunscreen: $1,500 (Luxury) Chrome wheels: $900 (Sport) Price as tested: $41,000 Freight and preparation: $1,150 Dealers: Quebec: 6 Canada: 25 CAA-Quebec, January 2002 .