Infiniti EX
Kelly Foss, www.car-data.com
It’s always interesting to see what new models the automobile manufacturers can come up withfrom the array of vehicles that they already produce. Often, we see a creative and appealing newentrant but are not quite sure how to describe it. That is the case with Infiniti’s new EX model.
It’s kind of like a sedan and sort of like a small SUV but has a rear cargo area with a hatch’The current term that seems to be coalescing is CUV, Crossover Utility Vehicle. Think of the EX asbeing similar to the Infiniti G35 sedan, only elevated with the rear half of the vehicle convertedto a useful and flexible seating/cargo area.
Regardless of how one might label the vehicle, the result is a very appealing bit of automotivegenius. The styling is very elegant and unmistakably an Infiniti. This upscale vehicle is festoonedwith Infiniti luxury accoutrements. All the way from the rich paint colors to the well done chromeaccents to its ‘vehicle in motion’ sheet metal, this vehicle emits an ‘I’m classy’ message. Theseating position of the EX has been heightened so that entry and exit are a snap and visibility isimproved. The interior space is very unique and elegant. Leather, wood, power options, navigation,Bose audio and an interesting new layout make the vehicle unique.
To access the rear cargo area, simply pop the hatch. The rear seats can be flattened with thepush of a button. They are put back in place with power switches, found either at the back of thevehicle or on the center console by the driver.
The EX is powered by Infiniti’s famous 3.5 liter V6 with 297 horsepower, making the vehicleeffortlessly fast. You can doddle around in traffic in quiet elegance but, with a stab of the gaspedal, the EX will rocket away at alarming speed. The EX comes standard with rear-wheel drive andis available with an all-wheel drive option. Many people who live in areas with no winter have nouse for all-wheel drive and I understand that. I have noticed, however, that Infiniti does the bestjob of making their all-wheel drive systems totally invisible to the normal driving experience.
This is one of the most enjoyable city cars that I’ve driven. The combination of light andprecise steering, superb brakes, elevated seating, a compact size, effortless power and a quietelegant interior that filters out the din of the outside world are just compelling.
I had the opportunity to drive an EX from Houston to Dallas and found it to be an excellent roadvehicle, also. My infatuation with the Infiniti EX has turned into love. What a captivating carthis is.
