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In many ways, the mid-size Intrigue GL is like a scaled-down Oldsmobile Aurora, a fact reinforced by its nearly identical front end and the easy way it handles the road.

With European style, a creamy smooth V8 and sure-footed handling, the Aurora is one of the best cars in General Motors’ stable. Mimicking it makes sense for a company that wants its cars to reflect many of the same qualities found among their competitors: a well-controlled ride, plenty of standard equipment and contemporary styling.

The Intrigue, built at GM’s Fairfax Plant in Kansas City, Kan., is derived from the same platform as the Buick Century and Pontiac Grand Prix, but its personality is more like an imported sedan than the Buick or Pontiac. It rides a 109-inch wheelbase, and the 3.8-liter, 3800 Series II V6 powers the front wheels. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city and 30 on the highway.

With 195 horsepower, it scoots away from stops with vigor, yet rolls down the highway with a minimum of fuss. It lacks the high-rpm zip and smoothness of a multi-valve, overhead-cam engine like that found in many of its competitors, but that will change next year when a six-cylinder version of the Aurora V8 becomes available.

While the Grand Prix has the rakish profile of a sports coupe, the Intrigue is more subdued. Competitors include cars such as the Toyota Camry, Ford Taurus, Pontiac Grand Prix and Volkswagen Passat.

Inside, the Intrigue is comfortable because most convenience items (power windows and locks, power driver’s seat, cruise control, power mirrors) are standard. Our test car had leather-trimmed bucket seats with excellent lumbar support. The back seat is large enough for three persons, and legroom is good but not exceptional. The trunk, too, is fairly big, and its cargo net keeps small items from crashing around.

Map pockets are located in the doors and well as on the backs of the front seats.

The instrument panel has a leather-like texture that not only reduces glare but looks expensive. The gauge cluster design, including speedometer and tachometer, reflects the same kind of simple elegance found in many imports. Dual-zone automatic heating/cooling lets each front seat passenger select their own temperature.

Controls for the radio and heater are grouped in the center of the dash within an arm’s length of the driver. Large, rubber knobs provide a secure grip and work with a smoothness and precision not found in previous Oldsmobiles, except for the Aurora. At night, the tiny lights inside the buttons made them feel noticeably warm, a pretty minor point but something I have not encountered before.

Buttons for the radio and cruise control were mounted alongside the center of the horn on the steering wheel.

The foot-operated parking brake is located in such a way that it can snag your foot while getting out.

Our test car was equipped with the $230 Autobahn package of larger front brake rotors and H-rated tires. These tires have a top-speed rating of 128 mph. While we can’t drive at that speed in this country, the bigger brakes are definitely worth the cost.

In sum, the Intrigue is a well-balanced sedan with conservative styling, room for four and a competitive price, which makes it a worthwhile alternative to the Taurus, Camry and Accord.

Price

The base price of our test car was $22,100. Options included leather-trimmed seats ($995), Autobahn package ($230), upgraded AM/FM with CD player ($200) and remote steering wheel controls ($125).

The sticker price was $24,200.

Warranty

The basic warranty is for three years or 36,000 miles.

Vehicles for The Star’s week-long test drives are supplied by the auto manufacturers.

Point: Many of Oldsmobile’s new products are designed with personalities similar to many imports, and the Intrigue GL fits that mold well. It is well-equipped, has good performance and a supple ride.

Counterpoint: While the 3800 engine is pretty good, it is not as smooth as a multi-valve V6, which is coming next year. Gripes are limited to small things, such as a poorly placed parking brake and buttons that get warm at night.

SPECIFICATIONS:

ENGINE: 3.8-liter, V6

TRANSMISSION: automatic

WHEELBASE: 109 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,455 lbs.

BASE PRICE: $22,100

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $24,200

MPG RATING: 19 city, 30 hwy.