Off the map

Sleek and sporty with the boot space of a convertible: can the new Infiniti FX50S be classed as an SUV? debates Adrian Ion

November 2009 - From the Print Edition

Car industry analysts are predicting the extinction of the big SUVs. Their thirsty and impractical nature and their expense to both buy and run could speed up the demise of these dinosaurs, while their end is hastened by the ongoing economic crisis.
But car manufacturers continue to come up with new models and people keep buying them.
SUVs have evolved in time into a breed with several family lines, from the box-shaped to those with sleek angles and coupe-like body shapes. Presented here is one of the meanest models on the SUV market today.
I am not really sure this can be classed as an SUV - it has the acceleration of a sports car, the contours of a coupe and the boot space of a convertible. Because it has four-wheel drive and sits tall on 20 inch wheels, this is why it has been placed in the semi-off roader category.
Dubbed a mid-size luxury SUV, the FX50S is the flagship model of the Infiniti car manufacturer, which has enjoyed high success in this part of the world.
The FX has been around since 2003 and the new model maintains most of the styling of its predecessor. The redesigned front grille is bigger and the head-lamps boast a fascinating curvy shape. The back design is also original, with tail-lights protruding outside the bodywork and the overall design is aggressive, retaining the attitude of the “bionic cheetah”. The interior of the FX is equally innovative and the test drive version has been equipped with everything one could imagine possible in the car industry today and beyond.
My main complaint is that after boarding the car and trying to drive in Bucharest’s traffic, the experience is terrifying. In front, all that is visible to a driver are the massive side shoulders of the bonnet and, in the back, there is almost nothing in view. Four video cameras keep an eye on the surroundings and different safety features help the driver to deal with this poor visibility.
The cabin is pretty roomier both in the front and back. The leather seats have a sporty design and if a driver weights over 100 kg, they will find them uncomfortable. The dashboard layout is full of curves and switches, with lively colours that create a pleasant atmosphere.
The test drive car was fitted with the new and improved V8 engine which is based on the 4.5-litre found in the old FX45, but pumped up to reach 390 horsepower.
There are smaller engine options in the range for those who fear the petrol thirst of the big V8. The base FX35 has a V6 engine and 303 horsepower. All FX models come with a new seven-speed automatic gearbox, a first for Infiniti, which runs smoothly. The option of a manual speed selection is also available, with pad shifts made from magnesium at the steering wheel. In the sports mode the rev counter will go up to 6,500 rpm before the gas is cut of by the engine electronics.
The ride is bumpy as one would expect in sports car, but the handling is superb on the open road. The acceleration is tremendous, as is the feeling of safety.
In Romania the FX still has to build up its image and face the fierce competition from its German rivals, including the Mercedes ML AMG, Porsche Cayenne GTS, BMW X6 4.4. The main advantage of the FX50S is its unbeatable price that could compensate for the head start made by its competitors.

The test drive car was offered by local importer Auto Italia.
www.infiniti.ro