1997 Infiniti Q45...Continued

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Roominess: Infiniti admits to redesigning the Q45 in a effort to appeal to a wider audience. And it's true. Wide folks fit fine in this vehicle. Punning aside, this car offers sumptuous space for all. In fact, while the new version is a bit shorter overall than the previous car, it actually has more interior space, particularly for those enjoying the rear seats.

Driving Position: Even though the new Q45 places added emphasis on luxury, the driver is not forgotten. The center control panels are positioned a little closer and tilted slightly toward the driver. The 10-way power seat is spacious and accommodating for all sizes. Short folks can position themselves close enough to the controls and pedals for comfortable driving, yet stay safely away from the airbag housed in the steering wheel. The power tilt and telescoping steering wheel helps achieve a precise driving position. Height-adjustable driver and front passenger seat belts make it even more comfortable. Two very different sizes can easily share the luxurious Q45 driving experience as there are separate memory buttons provided to program his/her seat, steering wheel and other accessory settings.

Passenger Comfort: Cushy leather seats, elegant wood accents, premium Bose sound system, extravagant space -- what more could you ask? Maybe dual-zone temperature controls so passengers can adjust their own heating and cooling requirements? This feature, common on Q45 competitors, is noticeably missing. The car does, however, offer several conveniences not readily apparent other luxury automobiles. Infiniti is not afraid to include cupholders, for example. The front center console has two cupholders and rear passengers can place their beverages in holders located inside their center arm rest. Nooks and places to store other miscellany are also adequate and ample.

Trunk Space: If you and one other are taking this car on a road trip, the 12.6 cubic feet of trunk space may be enough.But for a major journey involving several friends or family, Cadillac DeVille's 20 cubic foot trunk is more like it. The Q45's trunk space is comparable to arch-rival Lexus LS400's 13.9 cubic feet, however. Also, the low lift-over on the Q45 makes using its trunk a simple task.

Safety Features: Almost everything is standard equipment on the Q45, including such safety features as anti-lock brakes and traction control. The standard power windows and door locks are important safeguards, particularly for a woman driving alone or with children. Attending to family needs are child safety locks on the rear doors and seat belts with a locking feature that makes it easy to install a child safety seat in the back. A couple items not always touted as safety features -- but they are -- are included in the price of this car: a remote keyless entry that turns on the light inside the car as you approach and windshield wipers that automatically adjust their speed to the speed of the car so you don't have to fiddle with them when driving in the rain. Other features making the Q45 a safe, solid car are steel side-door guard beams, front and rear crumple zones and an energy-absorbing steering column

Security issues are capably addressed with pick-resistant door lock cylinders, an anti-theft warning light on the dash and Infiniti's new theft-deterrent system with a sophisticated ignition key code that should block the most clever thief's attempt.