Vehicle: 2003 Infiniti G35 with luxury & premium package

Performance: There is a wonderful VQ35DE sits underneath G35′s bonnet. With 260hp and 260 lb/ft of torque, its throttle response is quick without being overly sensitive. The drivetrain is smooth, refine and rev-happy as with typical VQ engine series. The acceleration is amazing all through the rev range. The only tyranny currently comes with G35 is 5-speed manumatic transmission. The shifts are smooth. Upshifts and downshifts are quick. The manual mode works exceptionally well.

Handling: With a stiff chassis, RWD and close to perfect 50/50 balance, G35′s driving dynamics has to considered to be top-notch. The steering response is quick while providing plenty of road feel. Its also proportionally weight every speed. The feedback through the chassis and steering have proven this is the first sports sedan that could take a real challenge to both A4 and 3-Series’s sports sedan leadership. Body roll is nothing significant on G35. Its tail is easily control during oversteer. Unlike other stability control, G35′s Vehicle Dynamic Control, or VDC, does not feel instrusive until you get really hot in the corners. It might lack some of the “Teutonic feel” of the 2 top German sports sedans. However, its the closet sports sedan that is not produced by Germany ever come so close to Ingolstadt and Munich. Not a surprise considered G35 is basically a Skyline sedan in other markets.

Brakes: G35 has excellent pedal feel. Its brake assist system doesn’t make the pedal felt over-assisted. In short, a great braking system.

Interior: Everything are logically placed inside the G35. There’s a dual zone climate control that works exceptionally well. BOSE sound system has nice sounds. The power seat and adjustable steering with instrument pod combines a driving position that is very easily found. The only pet peeve is the hazard light switch placed on the right besides the shifter. The dash materials, however, fell short of the competitors with too many hard and cheap plastic abound.

The back seat is probably the largest in its class. It got tons of leg and headroom. It also comes with 40/60 fold down rear seats. The most surprise finding is G35 has uninstrusive trunk hinges that you won’t find in even the flagship Q45.

Conclusion: IS300, X-Type and S60 are not real threats to A4 and 3-Series until the introduction of the G35. It got a wonderful VQ35DE, handles exceptionally well, got a comfortable interior and priced very competitively. In short, Infiniti not only has a real winner on hands. Its also got a world beater in their showroom.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2003 INFINITI G35 SEDAN
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Performance: 5/5
Handling/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/built quality: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4/5