1999 Infiniti G20

The G20 is making a comeback after being dropped in 1997 and should spice up Nissan's upscale Infiniti line.

The revived G20 goes on sale at the end of the month as an early 1999 luxury sports sedan. It looks far racier than the 1991-96 model, which was a competent, but rather bland, overlooked entry-level Infiniti.

The new front-wheel-drive G20 is based on Nisan's successful European Primera model, which has been called ``one of the world's best-handling cars'' by the European press.

The G20's styling is fashionable, with a wedge silhouette, short hood and long cabin. The front end is set off with an agggressively slanted nose, distinctive Infiniti Q45-style grille and jewel-like headlights.

This new Infiniti will be offered as a base and Touring model. Designated the G20t, the latter has performance tires, fog lamps, rear spoiler, automatic temperature control, sport cloth interior, leather-wrapped wheel and limited-slip differential for surer traction.

Prices won't be released for several weeks, but expect them to be in the low-$20,000 range.

The solid-feeling car is nicely painted. It has very precise body fits and doors that close with a confident ``thunk.'' Nice touches include a holder for the gasoline cap behind the fuel-filler door; one thus need not put the cap atop a gasoline tank when refueling--and then drive off without it if in a rush.

Standard for both models are items such as a performance-style instrument panel, anti-lock brakes, premium audio system, power windows and door locks and front and side impact air bags.

A Leather and Convenience package includes leather seats, power glass moonroof, automatic temperature control and power driver's seat. It seems that all G20s really should have that package, which will be reasonably priced.

Like the old G20, the 1999 model has only a four-cylinder engine. But it's a good motor, with dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves and a 140-horsepower rating.

I tested a G20t with the standard five-speed manual transmission, which has a shifter that generally is smooth but gets notchy when rushed. It works with a smooth, but long-throw clutch.

A four-speed automatic also will be available. But the engine is fairly small at two liters and thus works far better with the manual.

The G20t with the manual provides quick acceleration, although a downshift from fifth to fourth gear is needed for brisk 65-75 m.p.h. passing on highways. The engine is smooth and quiet, although performance gearing causes it to turn over at a busy 2,900 r.p.m. at 65 m.p.h. The docile motor pulls smoothly from fifth gear at 30 m.p.h. to cruising speeds.

Steering is quick, with good road feel. And the solid handling encourages spirited driving. The G20 tracks nicely down an interstate highway but doesn't lose its composure when confronted with winding roads. The brake pedal is easily modulated for quick, sure stops.

Four tall adults comfortably fit, although rear door openings should be wider for easier entry and exit. The quiet interior has high-grade materials, supportive front seats and a well-organized dashboard. However, a front cupholder is situated too far under the center of the dashboard for easy use. And wipers must be activated via a stalk after washer fluid is squirted on the windshield. Why no automatic wipers in a car with an upscale nameplate?

The nicely shaped trunk is big, with a lid that pops up on hydraulic struts well out of the way. The low opening makes it easy to load and unload. However, flipping the rear seatbacks forward reveals only a moderately large pass-through area from the trunk to the rear passenger compartment. The fold-down rear center armrest contains two reasonably sized cupholders.

The engine compartment is surgically neat, but the hood is held open with an old-fashioned prop rod secured by a cheap plastic clip.

The G20 is so well designed and built that such a substandard item is easily noticed.