Nissan has a reputation for building high-quality, solidly constructed cars and the I35 is no exception. The car is powered by a new front drive 3.5 liter, V-6 engine that develops 255 horsepower replacing the 227 hp 3.0 liter engine in the 2001 I30.

With this exciting new power plant, leaning on the go pedal makes the front wheels spin on dry pavement — where’s the traction control? — and when the tires bite, launches the 3,300-pound car up to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds.

The I35 rides fine on smooth surfaces but feels unsettled on rough roads.

The four-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth seamless changes. Just remember to nudge the shifter to the right in its gate to select fourth gear, otherwise you may travel many miles in third gear and use a lot of gas. Speaking of fuel, the EPA estimates are 20 miles per gallon in the city; 26 mpg on the highway. During this road test I got 22 mpg in combined driving.

Extensive driving on freeways and other back roads quickly demonstrates that this is no sports car. The ride is fine and quiet on smooth surfaces, but let the road be a little rough, the suspension and chassis feel unsettled, and fast cornering on the same rough road really requires your attention. The unsophisticated but cheaper rear beam axle is the culprit. Nissan should adopt the fully independent rear suspension design of its competitors.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are now pretty standard on this class of car, and provide exceptionally safe short stops. The foot-operated parking brake is an anachronism usually found on the likes of Buicks, Oldsmobiles and Crown Victorias, but certainly not in modern sports sedans.

The interior is beautifully put together, with rich-looking materials and uplifting light colors. The instruments are simple and clearly backlit. The Bose radio sounds good and offers an excellent combination of a cassette with an in-dash six-disc CD system.

The Germans ought to look at these cupholders and copy them. Among the best I’ve encountered, they are easily accessible by both front occupants and they sport an insert that can be removed for fast-food super gulps.

In moving a granddaughter to a new apartment we discovered that this car is b-i-i-i-g. You just can’t believe how much stuff we packed into its trunk.

This car only comes in one configuration with power everything: alarm, keyless remote, fog lights, auto headlamps, lights everywhere, auto mirrors with compass, dual front and side impact air bags, active head restraints, child seat attachments, power front seats with memory for driver’s seat, cruise control, leather seat inserts, wood and leather tilt steering wheel with radio controls, traction control, trip computer and aluminum wheels. All for $28,750, which is $3,000 less than the lower horsepower 2001 I30 touring sedan. Even post- Sept. 11, no sales incentives are offered.

A sunroof and rear sunshade can be added for $1,380; a sport package with sport suspension, Vehicle Dynamic Control, and eight-spoke alloy wheels with P225 tires costs $1,700; rear spoiler $500; chrome wheels $1,600; and a navigation system with six-disc changer in the trunk for $1,700.

The I35 comes with a generous warranty: four years or 60,000 miles on most of the parts; six years or 70,000 miles. Combine this with sparkling customer service perks — including a free loaner car for regular maintenance dealer visits during the basic warranty period — and the ownership experience begins to look attractive.

It may not be sporty, but after a few days of city and highway driving, it begins to feel like an old friend — practical and thoroughly reliable. (Consumer Reports is pleased.)

If you’re not into the “driving experience” and are looking for solid, well-built, luxurious, reliable and commodious transportation with all the perks, the Infiniti I35 should be high on your list for a test drive.

The dealers in the San Diego area are Discover Infiniti in Kearny Mesa and Carlsbad.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 54 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at osten@aol.com.