The Infiniti FX is a newcomer to the European market, having first made its claim to the US market in 1989. At first glance, the FX impresses visually and does everything in its power to capture your eye. The vehicle’s seductive look and stylish design is responsible for this effect; Infiniti even claims that the FX is actually a “sports car at heart.” But how does the FX fare in achieving such a high promise and how far will the rest of its features go in achieving a distinct mark in the market? Read on to find out.
Pros
The FX retains design elements distinct to Infiniti, such as the double-arch grille, the distinguished headlight design, and the waveform type bonnet. There’s also the standout look given to the headlights as only Infiniti can deliver, as well as chromed air vents But the FX’s overall look comes into its own and introduces itself as a better option against the less stylish rival models. It seamlessly combines a traditional sports utility vehicle with elements from the coupe and the 4x4.
This Infiniti model also features a front mid-engine position that’s found far away from the chassis. The result of the unusual choice is a short front overhang. Other unique features include the LED tail-lights and airflow that enables a drag coefficient at 0.36.
Other impressive interior details include the so-called self-repairing paint and the quiet operation of the windscreen wipers. The interior sports high-grade leather seats, with the driver’s seat featuring 14-way electric adjustment. Climate control, a DVD player-slash-touch screen sat nav, and aluminum fashioned pedals are other stand out features of the cabin.
The FX30d’s 3.0-litre V6 lightweight turbodiesel engine is able to produce 406lbft torque at 1750rpm in order to support its power at 235bhp at 3750rpm. The engine’s performance can be generally described as strong but able to keep this quiet, even when transitioning from 0 to 60mph in just 8.5 seconds. A top speed of 132mph is also assured thanks to this engine. The petrol units are just as powerful and still fulfill Infiniti’s promise of a being a “sports car at heart.”
In terms of ride and handling, the FX is able to control the body’s movement at high speeds and maintain proper steering. This makes the FX a very accomplished model given such prowess in handling on the road conditions.
Cons
Unfortunately, road noise can be heard as you go faster on the FX, thus getting in the way of ride comfort. The FX is unable to find that balance between style and substance when it comes to a vehicle trying to be a sports car. Although the FX claims as well to be an off-roader, the model is much closer to being a soft-roader that can drive through muddy fields. It lacks that extra strength to take it through dangerous off road territory. The high-performance tyres don’t exactly match up to this expectation either. In terms of engine power, the V6 petrol unit doesn’t seem as strong as the diesel.
In a market filled with diesel engine SUVs, the Infiniti FX stands out with its engaging drive and seductive style. Although boot space is limited and there are some setbacks in the expected tyre performance, the FX still impresses in what it actually promises as a “sports car at heart” in style and performance.
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(Average rating: 5 , Total rates: 2 )
