Impressive EX joins Infiniti line-up

The EX range moves into the knock-out class when you start ticking off the lengthy list of standard features.

High ambitions indeed, because BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi already have a strong grip on this portion of the local market and they have excellent, well-established models to fight the war for buyers' wallets.

But make no mistake, Infiniti has brought some impressive weapons of its own to the battle-field - and there are more to come. It launched in June with two models, FX and EX, available in diesel and petrol and with a choice of three specification levels, and in quick time notched up sales of more than 100 units even though their stated initial main aims are brand building and establishing dealerships.

At the Infiniti introduction at Franschhoek the local motoring media only got to drive the FX models but I was one of a small group of motoring scribes who have now also been given a chance to drive the new EX models, both petrol and diesel, when these were unwrapped at the Cradle of Mankind recently.

I was impressed by the FX which I piloted in June but I liked the EX offering even more with its good looks, comfortable and classy interior and magic carpet ride that elevate this coupé-styled, sporty sedan crossover into a potential buyer's must-consider slot.

What a clever car - without the nanny touch

One of the most impressive features of the Infiniti EX is its intelligent all-wheel drive system which brings sporty sedan cling to the party, even in bad weather conditions. It has been specially designed to give a rear-wheel bias but when the going becomes more enthusiastic, torque is split between front and back - and the nice thing about it is that it doesn't feel as though an electronic nurse-maid is taking over.

On our drive through twisty sections we could just begin to feel the slight element of oversteer before the helping hand is extended. The combination of torque split between front and back wheels and a not too prominent electronic stability programme, plus fairly direct steering and moderately firm suspension, make for a ride quality that is outstanding, even in this segment of the market.

Each portion of the split-folding rear seats can be remotely lowered or raised simply by pressing a button.

First up was the EX30d option which is armed with a 3-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine and is available in three model grades - EX (R595,000), EX GT (R635,870) and EX GT Premium (R677,276). And although not a natural fan of diesel I couldn't help but warm to this vehicle and it's willingness to trot and please.

It churns out 175kW at 3,750rpm and a whopping 550Nm which kicks into life from as low down as 1,750rpm - enough wooma to get this classy diesel machine from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 221km/h.

What's more, the infinity suits give the combined average fuel usage as 8.5-litres/100km and carbon emissions of 224g/km. On a full tank of expensive forecourt juice fuel is down to 7.2-litres/100km, which translates into a cruising range of about 1,100km.

Not too thirsty

On the petrol front the new EX37 GT (R626,000) and GT Premium (R667,406) models are pushed along by a smooth 3.7-litre V6 engine, which produces 235kW at 7,000rpm and 360Nm (although this torque level does require 5,200rpm which could take its toll on fuel consumption if driven sportily).

It gets to the obligatory 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds and will gamely gallop on to 240km/h. The nature of this beast leans to sporty driving, yet it doesn't glug too heavily with an average combined cycle of 11.3-litres per 100km.

Features for Africa.

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All models, both petrol and diesel, come standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission but the good news for those who prefer stirring the soup spoon themselves is that it does offer a (DS) mode which reduces the gears to five and allows a manual shift to please drivers who like to grow horns occasionally.

As we saw on the FX , the EX models are also kitted out with wall-to-wall passenger protection in the shape of ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and BAS (Brake Assist System), six airbags and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme). Families will appreciate the fact that all models also have ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Visually, the Infiniti certainly looks 'different' from others in this class with its eye-catching styling stylish coupé lines, long bonnet and sharply-tapering roofline, accentuated by double-arch grille, fancy xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, LED tail lights and integrated rear spoiler.

Welcome to the 'cockpit'

The living quarters ooze a decidedly upmarket ambience and although passenger space and seating are generous, the focus is on the driver who gets cloistered in what Infiniti describes as a 'sculpted-out cockpit'. The instrument lay-out is neat, logical and conveniently close to hand and occupants travel in comfort and style, thanks to soft leather upholstery (standard on GT and GT Premium models).

Pretty as well as practical, the EX has generous space for luggage and on the diesel models there is also a 45-litre under-floor storage compartment. A particularly cool feature of this snazzy crossover is that each portion of the split-folding rear seats can be remotely lowered or raised simply by pressing a button.

The spare wheel across the range is of the emergency type and not full size so, as with many other new models, journeys have to be carefully planned to include tyre providers which, in south Africa's case, are often far apart.

It's able to go quickly enough to satisfy most petrol heads - and land you in court if you're caught on Candid Camera's cousin.

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Where the EX range moves into the knock-out class is when you start ticking off the lengthy list of standard features, which include (on the diesel GT model, for example):
• automatic xenon follow-me-home headlights
• automatic wipers
• an auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• cruise control with a speed limiter
• front and rear parking sensors with a full-colour central display
• a seven-speaker audio system with single CD, MP3,and a 2GB Music Box, USB and auxiliary ports
• Bluetooth for both audio streaming and mobile phone operation
• keyless access and starting via an I-Key (which includes a memory function for the driver's seat and door mirror positions)
• electric front seats (8- and 4-way adjustment for driver and passenger seats respectively)
• a multi-function leather steering wheel
• black lacquer and aluminium interior trim
• dual-zone automatic adaptive climate control with rear vents
• powered folding rear seats
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• electric folding and heated side mirrors
• privacy glass
• LED tail lamps, and...
• even self-healing paint!

Available at GT level in EX37 or EX30d guise, spec upgrades include:
• electric steering wheel adjustment
• leather seat facings
• 10-way driver's seat electric adjustment (with 8-way adjustment for the passenger) with memory for the driver's seat
• steering wheel and mirror positions (the I-Key gains seat position memory as well)
• heated front seats
• tilting side mirrors when in reverse
• an integrated jacket hanger (on driver's seat headrest)
• 19 inch alloy wheels
• Connectiviti+ system
• 11-speaker Bose® premium sound system.

Stop. Pause. Take a deep breath. Read on...

The top-of-the-range models have most of the above PLUS Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control with low speed following (LSF) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and an Around View Monitor with corner parking sensors.

The diesel GT Premium models benefit from a host of added safety features including Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Infiniti's Around View Monitor(AVM).

Welcom ot the 'cockpit'.

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Special note: LDP makes use of a camera to monitor road markings and a yaw effect is created by selective wheel braking to nudge the Infiniti EX back into its prescribed lane, should the vehicle wander unintentionally. ICC with IBA, which monitors the vehicle's speed in accordance to vehicles travelling ahead, pre-pressurises the brakes when FCW detects a possible frontal collision. FCW goes even further, applying up to 100% brake force should the driver not intervene in time to avoid an accident. The Around View monitor uses front, rear and side-mounted cameras to provide the driver with a complete 360º view of the vehicle's surroundings, making manoeuvring in tight spaces an absolute cinch.

All models are covered by a comprehensive warranty that covers the first three years or 100,000km of ownership. In addition, a five-year/100,000km maintenance plan is also standard on all models and all Infiniti vehicles are covered by a comprehensive roadside assistance programme - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Note: Infiniti is initially only available from a few local dealers. For more info go to www.infiniti.co.za.

Specifications

Price list

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