Infiniti EX 37 GT 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The EX's 3.7 litre petrol engine has certainly been designed to deliver performance, and it delivers this in spades. The acceleration figures see the EX covering 0-62mph in a lightning quick 6.4 seconds, and with a top speed of 149mph this is on a par with the performance delivered by sports cars. All of this performance comes at a hefty price, and the fuel performance is also poor because of the nature of the engine, but those who are considering the EX will probably be more interested in the performance rather than the fuel economy.

The handling is very good, and although this is quite a large 4x4 the EX is wonderful around the corners and feels like much more like a car than a large vehicle. The one aspect that will deter some people is that the ride in the EX can be quite hard, but this is a 4x4 that has been designed with the driving experience taking the priority. The adjustable seats mean that every driver can find a comfortable driving position.

Although the Infiniti EX is aimed at the premium end of the market, it does share many of its design traits with the Nissan Qashqai, although the rear end does slope into a nice spoiler at the top of the boot door. The alloy wheels come as standard and really do give the EX a premium look, and the stance on the suspension does give the vehicle a sportier look. However, it is on the inside where the EX really start does to show its quality, with leather seats and trim really making the car look good.

The EX comes loaded with a satellite navigation system which also includes Bluetooth connectivity, and the stereo system also includes a hard drive and a multi CD unit for those long journeys. Cruise control and power seats also add to the high levels of luxury, and power folding mirror are also present. Front and rear parking sensors are also complemented by the parking camera which gives drivers a view of what is behind them.

Although the EX has not yet been subjected to the Euro NCAP tests, it is pleasing to see that it does come with six airbags, and also has a range of driving aids that will help to ensure that the driver stays firmly in control behind the wheel.

In terms of practicality, the problem with the sporty styling of the EX means that the space in the car has been compromised. Legroom and headroom in the back of the car are not particularly good, and the boot space is also a problem. Those who are concerned about the reliability of the car will be pleased to see the three year warranty is in place.

There is no doubt that the Infiniti EX will be looking at the top end of the 4x4 market, and the price and running costs are both pretty hefty. A list price of £41,930 is definitely a fair amount of money, but the rarity of Infiniti vehicles does mean it has an added exclusivity.

The running costs do not give people any more reassurance either, with the EX at the top end of the insurance group, and the fuel performance averaging at 25.0mpg. All of these factors do suggest that people may want to look at the competitors, and with a high level of depreciation, it is hard to recommend the EX because of the economics of the car.