Car: Infiniti FX50
Prices: £53,800 – on the road
Insurance Group: 20
Emissions: 307g/km
Performance: 0-60mph 5.8s / top speed 155mph
Fuel Consumption: (combined) 21.6mpg
Safety: six airbags, ASC, ABS.
Dimensions: length/width/heightmm 4640/1800/1580
High Class Superstar
Our Rating: No Rating Available
Many would consider it hard enough to introduce a car brand to introduce a standard car brand to a new audience, but Nissan has stepped it up a notch by introducing the UK car buying public to the Infiniti brand. The Infiniti brand is Nissan's upgraded luxury brand that has been turning heads in the United States for quite some time now. The American's have come to know the brand as one that delivers sophistication, sportiness and luxury all in one vehicle. Now Nissan is unleashing this brand on the United Kingdom with a line-up of first rate cars and SUVS that include one called the FX50 that is trying to make a name for itself in the large SUV market.
The FX50 is a no-holds-barred crossover 4x4 SUV that packs a serious punch under the bonnet. The FX50 comes standard with a 5.0-litre V8 diesel powered engine. The V8 comes with 385bhp of power that can take the vehicle from 0-60mph in a tick under 7 seconds at 6.8 seconds. Remember this is a full-sized SUV 4x4 we are discussing here, not some two-door Italian coupe. Top speed in the FX50 is about 155mph which is plenty fast for anyone.
Infiniti has fitted the FX50 V8 with a seven-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifter positioned on the steering wheel. The FX50 also comes standard with an smartly built all-wheel-drive system that takes torque from one wheel to another wheel where it is needed more to help keep the car under control. This luxury crossover also comes standard with rear wheel steering that will help keep the car under control at high speeds and make it easier to drive in the confines of the city.
Inside the driver will be very pleased with the standard offerings of the FX50. The interior is at the top of the luxury class with a few points lowered because some of the same styling can be found in the run-of-the-mill Nissan products. However the true test of any luxury brand is seat comfort and the FX50 passes that exam with flying colors.
Standard features on all FX models include adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, heated and cooled front seats, leather trim throughout, electric adjust front seats, sunroof, cruise control, a rear view camera and a 2gb music box system. Step-up to the FX50S and Infiniti throws in a cruise control system that will allow you to set the distance between you and the car in front of you. The S model also gets a brake assist system that will apply brakes when faced with an emergency situation. Luxury upgrades on the S include a 10gb music box, satellite v=navigation with DVD player and 11 speakers attached to a Bose premium sound system.
Infiniti is not holding back with the launch of this luxury brand. They are firmly planting their feet and letting the likes of Mercedes, Audi, Volvo and BMW that there is a new player in the luxury class and they are from Japan. Buyers looking for luxury without a super high cost will be happy to be introduced to the entire Infiniti line-up of vehicles.