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Quirky: The Infiniti FX3.0D is a technical masterpiece but can you see the differences?

Infiniti FX30D S Premium car test review

Car review: Mark Bursa

What is it?

Cosmetic facelift for Infiniti FX crossover vehicle, with new corporate grille, new colours and revised alloy wheels.  The FX is Infiniti’s top-of-the-range car, with prices ranging from £46,865 to £58,280. The model tested, the FX30D S Premium, costs £53,415.

 

For

  • It’s a striking-looking vehicle, with quirky, aggressive looks
  • The roofline is low, and the ride height is much lower than most large luxury SUVs, which makes getting in and out a lot easier
  • There’s excellent rear legroom too, and the low roofline doesn’t compromise the interior headroom. The quilted leather seats are extremely comfortable
  • Infiniti FX is bristling with technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning…
  • … plus an exceptional reversing camera that gives a top-down view of the car, as well as a conventional rear view, when you’re parking
  • This uses cleverly-angled cameras mounted in the door mirrors, and at the front and rear of the car. It’s a brilliant system that will surely help you avoid costly scrapes and dings – quite likely with such a hefty car
  • Car-like driving position makes you forget you’re driving an off-roader…
  • …handling is sure-footed and steering is positive, making the Infiniti FX manoeuvrable around town

 

Against

  • It’s not cheap at nearly £54k, but that does include a very loaded standard spec – something of an Infiniti feature from the luxury sporting brand
  • Combined fuel economy is claimed at 31.4mpg, and we came close to that at 29.8mpg achieved
  • CO2 isn’t the best at 238g/km, though there’s excellent performance from the 3-litre V6 turbodiesel, with 238PS on tap and a hefty 550Nm of torque
  • You’ll struggle to notice the facelift

Brilliant: The rear facing camera gives a bird's eye view when reversing

 

VERDICT

This diesel version of the FX SUV offers plenty of power and the car is an excellent motorway cruiser with a luxurious standard specification. It looks a distinctive business car too.

If you’re after a large, luxury SUV that will be used primarily for on-road driving, for a business car comparison, the Infiniti FX is a very viable alternative to the Range Rover Sport or the Audi Q7 – something different for a small business owner or SME company director.

 

Infiniti FX30D S Premium – the low down

P11D Value: £52,545
Monthly business rental (ex VAT): From £626 (3yrs/30,000 miles)
Tax Bands 2011/12 to 2013/14: 35%, 35%, 35%
Benefit in kind 2011/12 to 2013/14: £18,391, £18,391, £18,391
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 diesel, 7sp auto
CO2 Emissions: 238g/km
Power/torque: 235bhp/550Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 8.3secs/148mph
Economy (official): 31.4mpg

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