Infiniti sold the G20 here from 1991 to 1996, then stopped importing it into the U.S. During the past two years, it has been redesigned, re-engineered and thoroughly tested on Germany's challenging old Nurburgring racing circuit. And it's being re-introduced into what Infiniti hopes is a more receptive U.S. market.The market for so-called near-luxury cars has been growing. Meanwhile, Infiniti's prestige has grown with its I30, Q45 and QX4 and a network of dealers that have earned a reputation for treating customers well. (Infiniti took the top score in the 1996 J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index and scored second in 1997. Like other Infiniti models, the G20 comes with roadside assistance, a four-year/60,000-mile warranty and other service benefits.) Built alongside the Infiniti I30 at the high-quality Oppama, Japan, assembly plant, our G20 seemed to be screwed together well. The I30 earned J.D. Power's highest Initial Quality Survey award last year and Infiniti says the G20 receives the same paint and build process. This new G20 is longer and more luxurious than the old one. Stretching across a 102.4-inch wheelbase, the G20 is slightly smaller than an Integra sedan, but offers more front and rear passenger space and a bigger trunk. In spite of its spacious interior, the G20 doesn't feel like a big car. It's much sportier than the previous model and looks the part with a big air dam that fills mirrors, sporty side skirts and alloy wheels. Side-marker lights serve as a reminder of its European alma mater.
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