2000 Infiniti I30t

Infiniti's redesigned I30 faces the new millennium a transformed machine. For the first time since it joined the Infiniti line as a '96 model, the I30 has received a significant rework that updates the car's look, feel, and key features.

As middle machine in Infiniti's three-model sedan lineup, the I30 faces off with the Lexus ES 300, the Acura 3.2TL, Cadillac Catera, and a bunch of other $30K-something cars. It rolls into battle with more luxury features than ever to differentiate it from its competition (and the differently styled but mechanically related Nissan Maxima). More than simply a tarted up, freshened version of the old car, the new I30 marks big changes, like a significant 2.0-inch wheelbase stretch that opens up considerable legroom in the newly restyled cabin. That stretch is also largely responsible for a welcome jump in overall interior volume.

Handsome new interior accents seem to heighten the sense of roominess and comfort throughout the passenger compartment, and progressive styling accents like matte surface finishes and satin chrome tidbits keep the richness quotient up. The only minor interior letdown is the cost-cutting use of simulated wood: No trees were harmed during the making of the I30. If you opt for the upscale I30t (like our test car), you'll even find a few touches that are unexpected in this price range. Most notable is a power operated pop-up sunshade for the rear window, a la Mercedes-Benz. Cool.

As before, both the base model and more upscale t-version share a sophisticated 3.0-liter DOHC V-6 powerplant and four-speed automatic transmission. Wide-ranging engine changes have netted a substantial 37-horsepower/12-pound-foot jump in output, without disturbing the smoothness and serenity that characterizes every move the I30 makes.

But even though the new horsepower output figure moves the I30 into first place in the class, something seems to get lost between spec sheet and stopwatch. With its 8.4-second sprint to 60 mph, the Infiniti trails the 225-horsepower Acura 3.2TL by a full second, and falls behind in the quarter mile (15.7 seconds for the Acura as compared to 16.4 seconds for the Infiniti). Interestingly, the new I30 is substantially slower than its predecessor, which could hit 60 in 7.0 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 15.5 seconds.

Tthe front-drive I30 handles commendably, stopping from 60 mph in 125 feet, snaking through the slalom at 64.7 mph (mind the slightly unpredictable rear end during at-the-limit driving), and clawing around the skidpad at an unusually good 0.82 lateral g. From the driver's seat, the I30 exudes control, competence, and luxury, with a good balance between ride compliance and crisp control. Despite power that doesn't quite make it to the seat of your pants, the Infiniti's abundant dynamic virtues, comfort, and new, more inspired sheetmetal make it obvious the I30 (and the t-model) is poised to strongly reassert itself in the entry-level luxury class.