Hot on the heels of the introduction of the FX SUV is the next model in Infiniti’s local onslaught, the EX. This compact SUV hopes to dent the sales of BMW X3s and Audi Q5s with a blend of unique styling, strong powerplants, and top-end features.
Infiniti has no intention of becoming a volume player in South Africa – the EX is priced too far on the other side of premium anyway – but just what will make it appeal to those with pockets deep enough?
The looks
The EX plays on the crossover theme by appearing like a hatchback on raised suspension, while the raked roofline aft of the B-pillar is more akin to that of a sports coupe. There’s also something dynamically appealing abouti its long bonnet and deep, flared wheelarches (filled with 19-inch dual-spoke alloys on this model, mind you). Up front, Infiniti’s trademark grille and shape of the headlamps are a reminder of the G coupes in the line-up and at the rear, LED taillamps, an integrated spoiler, dual tailpipes and shallow tailgate glass provide an interesting take on rear-end design.
Inside the FX’s cabin, as you would expect from a premium product, perceived quality is high. The three upholstery colours available (graphite, wheat and chestnut) do a great job of helping the luxury appeal along. My only criticism on the local introduction of the EX is that I felt as if I was sitting far too high for the vehicle’s actual height, even in the lowest seat setting – which improves all-round vision, but doesn’t inspire driver confidence.
What it’s like on the road
Powered by the V9X 3,0-litre turbodiesel V6 that already does service in the FX, the EX was never short of grunt on our launch route at the reef. The impressive maximum outputs of 175 kW at 3 750 r/min and 550 N.m of torque at 1 750 r/min were rarely called upon when I left the seven-speed automatic transmission to its own devices. Press on a bit, and the auto ‘box tends to downshift and hold a gear for slightly too long though. In manual mode, the massive torque on tap can be properly exploited when you plant the far right side pedal from low engine speeds.
The intelligent all-wheel drive system employed in the EX sends up to 100 per cent of the torque to the rear wheels in the right conditions, which enhanced my drive on sweeping B-roads on a perfect spring day. If the driving environment is less than ideal (when slippage is detected), the system automatically sends the appropriate amount of drive to the front wheels, which I didn’t have to experience.
With little body roll, big 19-inch rubber and relatively low ride height, the EX proved to quite a capable when my driving became slightly more spirited, with predictable characteristics. What I really didn’t expect was for the EX to be that comfortable. While certain road imperfections seem to ripple the suspension, most bumps and dips are easily dispatched with a reasonable degree of comfort. The refinement of the experience was also a welcome surprise – there’s very little wind noise to speak of, and the V9X motor is almost undetectable.
Features galore
This GT Premium model is the range-topper, and as such, is fitted with the usual high assortment of basic safety kit, including ABS with EBD, BAS, ESP, active head restraints, Isofix mountings and six airbags. The fancier stuff includes a lane-departure prevention (which brakes the outside wheels), intelligent cruise control, intelligent brake assist, forward collision warning and an around-view monitor – which uses four cameras situated on each side to give the driver a bird’s eye view of parking procedures on the high-resolution touchscreen on the facia. There’s also a 30 GB navigation system, 10 GB music box with MP3/WMA/DivX compatibility and an 11-speaker Bose audio system.
Overall
The EX is undoubtedly an impressive vehicle, with a standard-features list that would make the Germans blush, but Infiniti’s asking price definitely isn’t shy. R677 276 is quite a sum, and that buys you all of the above as well as a comprehensive warranty (three years/100 000 km), maintenance plan, and roadside assistance. Still, if the EX does manage to convince buyers to flock to Infiniti’s growing list of dealerships, it’ll be few. Excellent vehicle, though.
Specification
Model: Infiniti EX30d GT Premium
Price: R677 276,00
Power/Torque: 175 kW/550 N.m
0-100 km/h: 7,9 seconds
Max speed: 221 km/h
Fuel consumption: 8,5 litres/100 km
CO2: 224 g/km
Luggage capacity: 340 litres
Service plan: 5 years/100 000 km maintenance plan
