1999 - 2002 Infiniti G20 - Reliable, Safe and Fun
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| The 1999 through 2002 Infiniti G20, shown here in optional Touring trim, was more distinctive in appearance than its predecessor, but not enough to lure in European car fans. (Photo: Infiniti) |
After an initial run of five years, from 1990 to 1996, Infiniti took a two year hiatus to rethink its entry-level car. It's not that there was something particularly wrong with the willing and able performer, but it wasn't selling well.
Model year 1999 marked the return of a very different G20. The old model's attractive but generic styling was replaced with a design some considered not quite as eye appealing while only slightly more distinctive. The car had grown in size as well. While maintaining an identical width it became 64 mm (2.5 in) longer at 4,509 mm (177.5 in), had a 51 mm (2.0 in) lengthened wheelbase at 2,601 mm (102.4 in) and grew 5 mm (0.2 in) taller at 1,400 mm (55.1 in). Front legroom went up slightly as did rear legroom that grew by 61 mm (2.4 in), but front shoulder room decreased, as did front legroom, rear headroom and rear shoulder room, while the trunk's luggage volume dropped by 20 L (0.7 cu ft), from 402 L (14.2 cu ft) to 382 (13.5). Still it was roomier inside than either BMW 3-Series or Audi A4 rivals.
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| The previous 1991 through 1996 G20 was even more of a wallflower, although it low weight and fiesty powertrain made for a great dance partner. (Photo: Infiniti) |
As expected its highway fuel economy rating went slightly wayward due to the extra pounds, moving by 0.43 km/L (1 mpg) from 8.1 L/100 km (29 mpg) to 8.4 (28) - the city rating stayed the same at 10.7 L/100 km (22 mpg) which is some feat.
All would be fine but its substantial 171 kg (378 lb) additional girth from the 1991 model's 1,150 kg (2,535 lbs) to the 1999 car's 1,321 kg (2913 lbs) wasn't compensated for by increased horsepower. The lively but now more taxed 140-hp 2.0-L 4-cylinder still produced 132 lb-ft of torque making acceleration, when mated to the optional 4-speed automatic transmission, less of a thrill. When equipped with its standard 5-speed manual though, the Infiniti is fun to drive. Its little engine loves to rev and capable chassis eats up corners with grace and composure. Even when thrown into compromising situations the G20 is wonderfully safe and predictable, a good all-round performer.