Sophisticated comfort, advanced style - 2002 Infiniti G20 sedan
Occupying a unique position in the new vehicle marketplace as an affordable fun-to-drive luxury sport sedan, the 2002 Inifiniti G20 enters into the new model year with enhanced interior and exterior styling. Built by Nissan at its Oppaama, Japan, assembly plant, the new G20 is available in one well-appointed trim level. The only motor offered is the high-revving SR20DE DOHC 2.0L 16-valve, four-cylinder engine.
Buyers have a choice between the standard five-speed manual transmission or the $800 optional four-speed automatic. So well equipped is the new G20, the option list has only five items: leather & sunroof package ($1,600), heated seat package ($420), six disc CD changer ($93), full-size spare tire ($150) and painted splash guards ($110).
For drivers that desire a higher level of vehicle performance and control, the automaker offers the sport package. For an additional $2,700, consumers can outfit their G20 with the following: black leather seating surfaces, black simulated leather door trim -- both with grey perforated inserts, perforated leather wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power driver's seat, stainless steel door sill plates, power sliding glass sunroof with rear tilt, HVAC microfilter ventilation, automatic temperature control, Homelink transceiver, body-color grille, 16-inch alloy wheels, H-rated P205/50R16 tires, viscous limited-slip differential, silver-color gauges, graphite silver-tone shifter on five-speed manual/black on automatic, and dark tint headlight trim.
On the road, the G20 is tight, nimble and responsive. It delivers great handling at speed while always remaining stable and controlled. An all-steel unibody is joined to the independent multi-link front suspension and stabilizer bar in concert with the rear multi-link beam suspension and beefy P195/65R15 tires to keep the sedan firmly glued to the pavement.
Engine speed-sensitive power-assisted rack and pinion steering aids the sedan's quick response to driver inputs while the rear suspension utilizes a special Scott-Russell linkage to provide lateral location, eliminating the typical "jacking effect" of conventional torsion beam designs. Inclement winter weather does not ruffle the small Infiniti, nor are the wide tires a liability in deep snow.
Inside the cabin, the highly space-efficient "cabin-forward" packaging maximizes available cabin space. Displays and controls are well laid out in the driver-oriented cockpit, with good visibility and comfortable front seating for driver and passenger.
The rear seat is snug but comfortable for two adults for short distances. The rear seat also features an armrest with the cupholders molded in. The wedge shape of the G20 allows the engineers to provide 13.9 cubic feet of cargo space. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat features a center armrest with an integrated dual cupholder designed to add versality in carrying passengers and/or cargo.
Ratings & specifications
Engine performance numbers for the 2.0L 16-valve four-cylinder engine at 145 hp at 6,400 rpm and 136 lb/ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. EPA fuel economy ranges from 24 city/31 highway for the five-speed manual to 23 city/30 highway for the four-speed automatic using regular unleaded gasoline. Underhood fluids are easy to reach, but not consistently marked.
Standard safety/security features include dual front airbags, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side impact air bags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, illuminated remote keyless entry and vehicle security system with immobilizer and protective pipe steel style side door guard beams.
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2002 Infiniti G20 starts at $21,395. Destination charge adds $545. Dealers report good supplies of the G20 sedan, so selecting one will not be troublesome.
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