LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK - Nissan's luxury division had a clear-cut goal for the revamping of its sport-utility vehicle. According to product development manager Kurt Cornell, Infiniti sought the "performance and amenities of a luxury sedan, [plus the] road confidence" of an SUV.

In the course of achieving that dual objective, Infiniti engineers also tossed in a healthier dose of power - which appears to be the way to go in today's sport-utility market. They also listened to Infiniti owners and prospects in the sunbelt, and decided to issue a two-wheel-drive version along with the expected 4x4 machine. Doing without four-wheel drive saves about $1,400.

The new 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivers a healthy 240 horsepower (claimed to be "best in class"), which is 70 more than the prior QX4's engine could manage - and more than some V-8s.

An improved automatic transmission promises smoother shifting. Xenon headlamps yield 70 percent more luminescence than last year's lighting. An adjustable headlamp switch on the left side of the dashboard tilts the beam downward. An Infiniti analog clock again highlights the dashboard. Infiniti general manager Tom Orbe calls the clock a "big part of our signature."

Takin' it to the pavement - and a bit of gravel, too

Performance is satisfying, as expected, but ride comfort is even more noticeable. Even imperfect, sand-covered two-lanes were devoured with dispatch. On paved highways, the ride was easygoing and enjoyable, marred only by an occasional thud at the rear, when enduring a particularly harsh bump.

Although the QX4's turning radius is not especially tight, steering "feel" is just right for an SUV. Steering feedback also is good, and the vehicle maneuvers adeptly. All told, it's exceptionally easy to drive.

Though not exactly startling, performance from the strong new engine is almost exuberantly energetic. The only time it seemed to be lacking was during what turned out to be a steady uphill climb.

Controls are A-1: easy to read and use. Gauges include a large white-on-black 120-mph speedometer and matching 8000-rpm tachometer. Those gauges are super bright and easy to read at night, and the new Xenon headlamps deliver an outstanding view of the road ahead.

Because our primary test QX4 (a four-wheel-drive model) lacked the new navigation system, that space on the dashboard was occupied by a six-CD changer - below the stereo system, forming a nice-looking unit. The automatic-temperature system worked so quietly and effectively, we didn't notice a thing - apart from the fact that the interior felt cozily comfortable.

No visibility drawbacks were observed. A good-size pull-down glovebox is in the usual spot.

Getting inside the QX4 is a little difficult, due to narrow front and rear doors. That was also a problem in the prior QX4. Space is adequate up front (though headroom isn't exactly huge). Headroom is meager in back, so the head of an average-sized person might almost touch the roof; but otherwise the rear seat is comfortable.

Front seats are exceptionally comfortable, beautifully cushioned, to the point that we were reluctant to leave. Long seat bottoms help. The seats offer super thigh support and good back support, but little side bolstering.

The 2001 QX4 went on sale in mid-March. Infiniti expects to sell about 24,000 per year (6,000 more than in 1999).

Most popular version is expected to be a QX4 with the Premium Package plus a sunroof. With the most popular equipment, a QX4 should list for about $37,100.

Except for space limitations in the interior, and the narrow entry doors, this is an appealing machine. The redesign gives Infiniti a strong chance to heighten its role in the luxury SUV market.

"Bird View" navigation - something different from Nissan/Infiniti

Close to a dozen automakers now offer navigation systems in the U.S. market. Though different in detail, most of them work in a similar way, with video screens that provide a flat map (known as a "plan view"). It's like an electronic rendition of the flat paper maps that everyone used in the days before computers - and most drivers still use today.

Nissan/Infiniti has taken another approach. Basic operation of their new system doesn't differ from the others by much. What's different is what you see on the screen.

Instead of the usual flat view, you see the area ahead from a "visual vantage point" up in the air, and to the rear - a panoramic view much like a bird would see it, while flying in the sky. The view is adjustable, too; and you can switch to the customer "plan" view if desired.

This system "allows you to get a good idea of where you are," said Kurt Cornell, whereas with others, there are "no visual landmarks to assist you.... It's taken navigation system to the next level."

Early navigation systems "appealed to early adopters," Cornell explained. Now, on the other hand, "consumers are looking for ease of use. They're not interested in going through a long process. If they have to stumble around ... they quickly abandon it."

Basic mapping data to work with the satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) is supplied by Navtech, while the Zenren Corporation customizes it for Infiniti. A Quick-Reference card lets the new user get started with the system, before reading the entire manual - which is always essential to get the most useful results.

A "Bird View" navigation system costs $2,000 in the QX4, and is priced the same in the I30 and Q45 sedans. In the QX4, the system replaces the six-disc CD changer, and navigation discs are stored behind the unit. In sedans, it pops out. Navigation is currently available only in selected markets, but will be expanded into other areas later. The "Bird View" system has been popular for several years in Nissan products sold in Japan.

Like other navigation systems, this one has a separate CD for each of nine geographic areas. Only one disc comes with the system, though it can be exchanged for another and one update will be supplied. If you want extra discs, they run about $150 each - so a collection for the entire country would add quite a few dollars to the tariff.