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The Aurora marked a new dawn for Oldsmobile, and the Intrigue marks the beginning of its second century. As such, it says much about where the company is headed.

Ransom E. Olds formed Oldsmobile on August 21, 1897, and Oldsmobile has been celebrating its 100th anniversary this week in Lansing, Mich. Driving the Intrigue, which is made in GM’s Fairfax Plant in Kansas City, Kan., seemed a good way to join the celebration.

This mid-size sedan that replaces the Cutlass Supreme competes squarely against the heart of the family sedan segment, and cars such as the Ford Taurus, Pontiac Grand Prix, Toyota Camry and Nissan Maxima. Even though it is based on the same platform as the Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, it feels distinctly different. It blends Japanese and European traits with a taut ride, sporty handling and an interior easily big enough for five. Best of all, its responsive handling is not compromised by tooth-rattling harshness, which is a benefit of a stiff body structure and a compliant suspension. It rides better than the Regal or the Grand Prix.

Built on a 109-inch wheelbase, and with a 3.8-liter V6 powering the front wheels, the Intrigue has more-than-adequate performance and a spacious interior. Its styling is strongly reminiscent of the Aurora and it continues many of the same visual themes. It looks muscular without being gaudy, and the 16-inch wheels fill the wheel openings nicely.

The leather-like texture of the dash is both pleasing to the eye and touch. The gauge cluster is among the best I have seen from General Motors, one certainly on par with the best from Japan. The large, easily readable dials have lettering that is elegant without being fussy.

The front seats have excellent lumbar support, a feature I appreciated every time I sat down. Their comfort was enhanced by the optional leather upholstery done up in a light cream color that contrasted nicely with the test car’s dark, metallic green exterior.

There are cupholders aplenty, including a dual one for back-seat passengers that folds out from the rear of the center console.

Radio and automatic climate control, with dual temperature controls, had large, soft rubber knobs. Oddly, however, all of the buttons got quite hot at night when the little lights inside them were on. Not hot enough to burn, but still I noticed it.

Changing fan speeds on the automatic climate control was annoying because the fan-speed button has to be punched twice. The first push only turns off the outside temperature reading.

The steering wheel had optional controls for cruise control and radio, a nice touch. They, too, got warm at night, but not as much as those on the climate control.

The foot-operated parking brake is located so that it is easy to hit it with your foot when getting out. I even caught my pants leg on it once.

Until a new overhead-camshaft V6 is ready next year, the Intrigue uses the 3800 Series II V6 fo und in numerous other GM products. This engine does a good job, even though it lacks the high-rpm zip of multi-valve, overhead-cam engines found in many of its competitors. The 195 horsepower is more than enough for sprinting away from stop lights or down merge lanes, and it is well isolated so vibration is nearly non-existent.

This is a fairly thrifty engine, as well, rated at 19 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Its companion is a smooth-shifting, four-speed automatic transmission.

Traction control and anti-lock, four-wheel disc brakes are both standard, and they both enhance all-weather security.

Our test car was equipped with the Autobahn package, which has 25 mm larger front rotors and H-rated tires that raise the top speed to 128 mph. The brakes felt reassuringly solid when clamped on at highway speeds.

Taken as a whole, the Intrigue is an excellent way for Oldsmobile to start off its second century. It drives responsively, has a nicely appointed in rior with plenty of space and has good outward visibility. It can compete with all of its competitors, domestic and foreign, without apology. When it gets the engine it deserves next year, it will be even better.

Price

The base price of our test car was $22,100. Options included leather trim, electric sunroof, chromed wheels, Bose stereo, 12-disc trunk-mounted CD player, rear spoiler, Autobahn package and air filtration system.

The sticker price was $26,430.

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: What’s so intriguing about this Oldsmobile is its European ride, functional styling and well-organized interior.

Counterpoint: Complaints are few. The dash switches get hot at night and the parking brake is located so that it is easily snagged by your foot when getting out.

SPECIFICATIONS:

ENGINE: 3.8-liter, V6

TRANSMISSION: automatic

WHEELBASE: 109 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 3,455 lbs.

BASE PRICE: $22,100

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $26,430

MPG RATING: 19 city, 30 hwy.