2003 Infiniti G35

							                                   2003 INFINITI G35

Infiniti isn’t afraid to openly identify the four main targets of the G35: the Audi A4, BMW
3 Series, Lexus IS 300 and the Mercedes C Class. That means the days are gone when
a front-wheel drive car tried to play in the sandbox with rear-wheel drive competitors. It
should be pretty clear that the G35 is a rear-wheel drive…

The engineers paid close attention to this sedan’s aerodynamics, which results in a drag
coefficient of just 0.27 in the base version and 0.26 with the Aero Package. The G35 is
streamlined and its underside is smooth as silk to maximize aerodynamic downforce at
high speeds.

Cabin interior and trunk

When you sit at the wheel of the G35, the first word that comes to mind is “spacious.”
This Infiniti stands on a 285 cm wheelbase, 10 cm more than the Mercedes C Class and
20 cm more than the Audi A4. In terms of width the G35 is even more generous, with an
advantage varying from 19 to 26.6 cm. In this roomy interior we find very comfortable
front seats that hold occupants firmly in place. The driver has good legroom, but
headroom is somewhat limited for tall drivers because of the sunroof.

One of the interesting elements of the G35 is that the nacelle containing the controls
and gauges tilts along with the tilt steering column, a feature which no doubt explains
the lack of a telescopic column found in many competitors.

The rear bench seat can comfortably seat two adults; again, while legroom is sufficient,
headroom is somewhat cramped for taller passengers. The backrest does not fold
down, but at least there is a pass-through for skis.

The trunk is spacious enough but the fender wells distort its shape; the opening is also
narrow.

Accessories and safety features

While the overall finish is quite good, soundproofing leaves something to be desired,
allowing road and engine acceleration noise to come through. The quality of some of
the materials does not quite match that of German competitors. Despite numerous
storage spaces, the total capacity is average, in part because of the small glove
compartment.

The location of some controls – such as the ones to adjust the seats – is somewhat
surprising, as they are placed to one side of the central console. The same can be said
of the sound system (which is excellent, by the way); those controls should be
positioned above the air conditioner (which also works very well). For a sports sedan it
is odd to see an emergency brake that is a pedal, rather than a lever between the seats.
In terms of safety, the G35 has dual front and side air bags, along with two inflatable
curtains, and active head restraints that move forward to minimize the effects of
whiplash in the event of a rear collision. The xenon headlamps are powerful enough but
some spots within their path are not lit.

Engine and transmission

Nissan has assigned its 3.5-litre V6 engine, which develops 260 horsepower and 260 ft.
lbs. of torque, to the task of driving the rear wheels. Acceleration and pickup are
energetic, but as they are progressive one doesn’t get the feeling of speed. But while
acceleration is progressive, we can’t say the same of the accelerator in standing starts.

The five-speed automatic transmission is smooth overall, and nicely geared. Shifting
can be somewhat abrupt at times, breaking the momentum of the engine. In manual
mode, gear changes are a bit slow.

On the road

A well-bred car, especially one with sporty pretensions, must be built on a solid
platform. For the G35, the engineers came up with one they call “FM” for Front Midship.
They decided to add 2% more weight to the front of the vehicle for a front/rear weight
distribution of 52/48 to provide more front-wheel grip when going into turns. Upon
acceleration coming out of a turn, weight distribution shifts to 50/50, which is ideal. The
system works, because the G35 handles just about all type of curves firmly and easily.

Very nicely calibrated with a slight tendency toward firmness, the suspension delivers a
smooth ride that is occasionally betrayed by uneven surfaces at slow and medium
speeds, especially with the Aero package. Although the G35 is the closest thing to
German sedans that Japanese manufacturers have achieved so far, it still lacks that
velvety blend of suppleness and firmness in the suspension’s performance and feel.

Heavy at low speed then very well calibrated, the power steering is quick, precise and
steady. It conveys almost no road feel and has a relatively wide turning circle. Brakes
are fade resistant and very powerful. In fact, the driver must learn to go easy on them,
as they are very responsive.

An inspection at the CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre revealed that the G35 is
sturdy, well-built, and has good rust protection.

Conclusion

The G35 is a sporty touring sedan that is spacious, generously equipped and one which
should prove to be as reliable as other Infiniti products. It will suit those who aren’t
necessarily looking for, or don’t like, the sensations procured by German cars but can
appreciate an authentic sports sedan and accept slightly lesser quality of certain
materials and soundproofing.
PROS                                                                          CONS
Spacious interior                                                   Soundproofing
Powerful engine                                                 Small trunk opening
Road holding                                                    No folding seatback
Powerful brakes                                                       Radio too low
Generous equipment                                                    Transmission
Comfortable seats                                      Heavy steering at low speeds

                                2003 INFINITI G35

Engine: 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6
Horsepower: 260 h.p. @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 260 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic; 6-speed manual
Suspension: independent/independent
Brakes: disc/disc
Length: 473.7 cm
Width: 175.3 cm
Height: 146.6 cm
Wheelbase: 285 cm
Weight: 1,536 kg
Tires: 215/55R17
Towing capacity: 454 kg
Air bags: Dual front and side, and two air curtains.

Fuel consumption:
- Transport Canada rating: city: 12.6 L/100 km (22 mpg); highway: 8.4 L/100 km
  (34 mpg)
- Test result: 13 L/100 (22 mpg)

Fuel tank capacity: 76 litres

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 7.2 seconds       60-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds

Competition: Audi A4, BMW 3 série, Lexus IS 300 and Mercedes class C.

Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer):
     Frequency: 3 months/6,000 km
     Total 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: $727                    Front brake disk: $105
Brake pads: $103                     Muffler: $411
Front fender: $386

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-
free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $834 to
$1,405

Price according to trim line:
$39,400
Main options:
Privilege Group: $2,600
Aero Group: $1,500
Navigation Group: $3,400

Price as tested: $46,900

Freight and preparation: $1,150

Dealers: Quebec: 6              Canada: 25

Ó CAA-Quebec, June 2002