Infiniti FX

When the first Infiniti with the label FX appeared eight years ago in the global market, and it was an SUV, it overshadowed all the “cube” competitors in its class with its “brutal” oval design. It was pretty strange for a rookie, but true. Its happiness was short lived though. As it excelled the luxury SUV scene, it was shut down in the European market almost at the same time. Reasons for this fiasco are many, and were put together in a “lethal” combination of transient-trendy design, poor engine selection and poor marketing positioning.

However, one should not regret for the past. The new generation inherited the good genes of its predecessor, at least at first glance, but it adapted to the spirit of the age, needs and tastes of the European, not only American customers with the Nissan Juke’s design language.

The Challenger
Of course, in order to try to parry the European “kings” of this segment, Infiniti put emphasis on luxury, boldly attractive look and appropriate 3.0 l diesel engine. Anyhow, the prestigious interior should not be ignored either. If we take first things first, the body design is what separates the Infiniti brand from the competition and throws the gauntlet into its face. As we have already said – brave, original and quite risky. The 21 inch wheels dominate as well as rounded body lines which merge the philosophy of a coupe and usefulness of an SUV. How they are put together in its “nose” and radiator grille is quite debatable, but tastes should not be discussed. These phenomena are either a hit or a complete failure. However, as far as the Infiniti crossover is concerned, time will show the success of the design (and even better – the number of vehicles sold), no matter how much journalists and audience chatter about it. The similar story is about interior. It’s daring, exclusive and of high quality in many details. It is clear immediately that we talk about a member of Nissan’s family after the analog clock on the middle of the front console, where some other command instruments “for all kinds of things” are placed, necessary and essentially unnecessary in everyday driving story.

Slippery Butt
Driver’s position is comfortable, clear and perfectly organized. The driver’s seat is thick, equipped with “electricity”. It is impressive and seems kingly in both ergonomics and seating area, until the moment when you catch ideal driving line in sharp corners. Burnished leather upholstery and slightly pronounced seat sides do not provide nearly any support and it clearly indicates that this is not a racing machine, which is natural considering the category of the car. Given the design exhibitions and significantly reduced glass surface in the rear, the visibility is awful. Of course, TV equipment is at hand, and driver can immediately look into “intimate” parts of the parking lot and hidden columns like in the best reality show. I won’t tell you anything about Bose sound system. You need to experience it! Perfect!

Without Adrenaline
Although it is an off-road vehicle by the nature of its inception, the Infiniti just cannot boast some special comfort, and even less the off-road characteristics. Its pretty hard suspension setup is even more stiffened by the disproportionately large low-profile 265/45 R21 tires. Nevertheless, the driving dynamics, precise steering and dominant safety are excellent at high speeds because of that. Despite everything, the Infiniti is tamed and predictable unlike the direct competitors. It lacks a little more sportiness and adrenaline despite very agile seven-speed automatic transmission.

The Ride on the Brink
Unlike its predecessor which was equipped with petrol engines only (3.5 V6 and 4.5 V8), this “European” model is a bearer of proven turbo diesel 3.0 l V6 concept, originally from Renault. It is quite enough for average demands, although 238 hp and 550 Nm are pretty impressive statistically speaking. Who has been driving Audi 3.0 TDI knows what it is about. The Infiniti is subjectively fully adequate to the largest and heaviest Audi’s SUV.

In short, the ride is good but could do better. The traditionally neuralgic point we have left at the very end! The price! This car costs around 70,000 Euros. It is quite a figure, which can be justified and accounted mostly by the rich trim level offer. This is a car for enthusiasts and individualists who have money and do not to want to look like a neighbor from Dedinje (generally considered as the wealthiest part of Belgrade).

Unfortunately, you can’t make a living with that kind of customers. The Infiniti’s chances for success in the serious game with “branded wolves” for the European market are (let’s face it) very small. If it gets 20 % cheaper (discount for lack of image), that would significantly change my opinion and many others, as well as its chances on the market.

Summary
Attraction in Black
The unexpected luxurious release of Nissan’s prestige brand is quite a surprise. It is an attractive crossover that is adorned by all the “European” features from the unusual design, through the generous and relatively frugal turbo-diesel engine and standard trim level, to the driving dynamics. Engineers have succeeded in fitting all the essential features of an urban SUV into one harmonious unity using the model of direct competitors.

It could be more comfortable since there is no ambition for “athletic” performance. The car boasts the direct steering, excellent direction control and the feel of safety, especially at high speeds. It is eye-catching, which includes it into the desired cars group. Unfortunately, with its price tag of more than 70.000 Euros, it is too close to the “branded wolves” such as BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M Class. Although it does not fall behind the competition in terms of actual qualities, its target market is very questionable.