If you are an attentive car follower you have probably noticed many similarities
between the I30 and the Nissan Maxima. This is no coincidence. The I30 is built from
the same platform as the Nissan Maxima and shares some of its electricals, mechanicals
and a fair share of its sheetmetal. This is not a negative because the Maxima is a
wonderful vehicle in its own right. However, the Maxima, option for option, will leave
a similar taste in your mouth for less money than the I30.
That aside, the I30 is an excellent vehicle with thoughtful luxury touches that
set it apart from its more pedestrian cousin. For example, its security system, which
comes standard, responds quietly and with a welcoming glow of interior cabin lights to
signal unlocking, or the polite flash of headlamps to confirm it has locked itself.No
honking horns for this car. If that's not enough, all the I30's security functions
are directed by the keyfob, which also has a built-in panic mode should you wish to
draw attention to yourself in a potentially troublesome situation. And on those
really hot days, you can even lower the front windows with the fob, permitting hot air
to escape from your vehicle. A nice touch.
The I30 comes in three trim levels: The Standard, the Leather Appointed and the
Touring, which we had the pleasure of sampling. If the base I30 is well appointed -
which it is - then the I30t is downright loaded. The I30t includes leather interior,
HomeLink, power everything and a CD player, and adds a Traction Enhancement System,
handsome 15" crosslace alloy wheels, meatier tires and a sleek spoiler. The I30t also
rewards the driver with upgrades underneath the car. The suspension has tuned a bit
firmer in order to respond to the demands of the more aggressive driver.
Safety equipment for the I30, no matter what trim level, is on par with the
segment and include crumple zones, side door beams, dual airbags and antilock brakes.
All I30s come standard with attractive, but rather bland exterior styling. The
Japanese have mastered the art of creating soothing and clean automobile lines without
offending anyone. The problem is they don't excite anyone either. While it may not
excite, the I30 does have classy, understated looks which come off elegant without
being ostentatious. The front end grillework echoes the Q45's, contributing to a
family resemblance while adding some luxury cachet.
A big part of the Infiniti mystique is the relationship they have their potential
and current customers. This approach to sales and service is embodied in a program
called The Total Ownership Experience. The showroom and service staffs act like hosts
and hostesses sporting gracious, low-key manners. Once you become an Infiniti owner,
the experience extends to 24-hour roadside assistance, which is free for 48 months,
even if your warranty has reached its mileage limitation.
When your car needs to be serviced or repaired, a loaner car will be made
available to you with little fuss. When your car is done, whether it be an oil change
or tune-up, it will be washed and vacuumed. A look at recent JD Power customer
satisfaction ratings will show that Infiniti's Total Ownership Program is producing
enviable results. If being treated like a king or queen is important to you, look no
further.
The I30s interior compartment is well executed and roomy for both front and rear
seat passengers alike. Up front there is an open and airy feeling, with exceptional
all-around visibility. In the back, there is room for three across seating when
needed. Here the I30 exceeds others in its class - like the ES300 and 328i - and
rivals some bigger cars too. (Infiniti likes to boasts the I30 has more interior room
than a Rolls Royce Silver Spur III.)
Ergonomically, there are no qualms to be had with the I30. It benefits from
typical Japanese execution. All controls are logically arranged and easy to reach,
with switches and buttons positioned and marked in such a manner that there is no
confusion over function. To top it off, the wood trim and leather upholstery helps
convey a warm and luxurious feel.
The only reservation about the interior execution of the I30 is the optional front
seat heaters. They were somewhat anemic in operation, even when on the highest
setting.
The Bose audio system, standard on all I30s, is simple to operate and a pleasure
to listen to. Two hundred watts, four amplifiers and six speakers release sound into
an well-engineered interior cabin, resulting in clear, full sound. A CD player and
cassette deck are standard, and conveniently placed within easy reach of the driver or
passenger. For those of you with big CD collections, there's an available multi-disc
trunk-mounted auto changer as an option.
A unique feature on the I30t and the Leather Appointed Model is the Integrated
Homelink Transmitter. Each vehicle's Homelink system can be programmed to replace
radio controlled devices such as garage doors or front gates. Even your home alarm or
lighting systems can easily be manipulated by using the handy controls mounted in the
driver's sunshade. It's a thoughtful safety feature that also reduces clutter in the
car.
An I30 will make your daily commutes less of a chore and give weekend jaunts added
pleasure. This is because the I30's athletic 3.0 liter V6 engine has been engineered
to deliver its 190 hp very willingly. The torque curve is relatively flat, so power
is available when it's most often needed or desired. This means no matter what the
driving situation, the I30 will respond. Judging by my stopwatch, the I30 should get
you to 60mph in the low sevens. It's unmistakably brisk.
Another bonus with the I30 is the availability of a five-speed manual
transmission, an ever-decreasing phenomenon in this segment. The smooth-shifting
five-speed certainly helped bring out some character and personality in our I30t test
car - and I suspect quicker 0-60 times, as well. Whether you equip the I30 with a
manual or the 4-speed automatic, the I30 is one of the stronger performers in its
class.
Isolation from road sounds and irregularities is also excellent, but the sense of
the road is not lost in the I30t. Occupants, regardless of whether they are seated in
front or back, experience a quiet, comfortable and stable ride bordering on the
sporty. Infiniti engineers created a suspension called the rear Multi-Link Beam,
which combines elements of multi-link and torsion beam suspensions. The result helps
keep the tires of this front-drive sedan in optimum contact with the road in addition
to effectively buffering the passenger compartment from noise and road irregularities.
This suspension is also more compact than other set-ups, contributing to increased
rear seat and trunk space.