New Infiniti EX compact performance SUV greets luxury market with elegance

Reinventing the compact SUV

With its crossover design style which mixes the stance and poise of a compact SUV with coupe-like styling and proportions, the Infiniti EX has reinvented the way compact SUVs look. With an advanced chassis, it also reinvigorates how they drive, and with extensive standard specification the Infiniti EX proves to be a formidable competitor.

Traditional 4x4 boxiness has been completely disregarded in the Infiniti EX?s design, where a sleek and elegant coupe has provided inspiration for the design. The EX?s driving character ? refined athleticism ? is accurately reflected by the long bonnet and sharply-tapering roofline.

The signature Infiniti double-arch grille has been blended seamlessly with the flowing contours and soft edges of the body, and the complexly-shaped xenon headlights are also an Infiniti signature.

A luxurious interior with fine quality and fittings brings with it a strong element of practicality as well, making the Infiniti EX a great all-rounder. Focus on the driver has been achieved thanks to a sculptedout cockpit, and all Infiniti EX passengers enjoy sumptuous comfort with leather upholstery all-round (standard on GT and GT Premium models). Careful attention has been paid to ergonomics too, allowing for relaxed and comfortable driving.

Athletic dynamism

With two engine variants available in the Infiniti EX range, all models offer spirited performance and a dynamic drive. Intelligent all-wheel drive systems are employed throughout the range as well, ensuring not only sturdy driving enjoyment but also safety in all weather and road conditions. Both engine variants are mated to a sevenspeed automatic transmission with a Drive Sport (DS) mode. DS locks out the top two gears and allows manual shift control for a truly spirited driving experience.

Safety levels

In keeping with the rest of Infiniti?s range, the Infiniti EX features the same high standards of active and passive safety equipment. Included as standard across the range, ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and BAS (Brake Assist System), six airbags and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), feature. ISOFIX child seat anchor points and active head rests are also included.

Agility and control

The all-wheel drive system fitted to all Infiniti EX models has been designed with a rear-drive bias thanks to ATTESA E-TS ? Infiniti?s Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split. The system?s brain works constantly to find an ideal torque split between the front and rear wheels, using a central clutch to maximise grip on slippery surfaces without compromising the Infiniti EX?s rear-drive feel on dry roads. An element of over-steer has also been engineered into the car?s dynamics for a more sporting drive.

A key element to the Infiniti EX being one of the lightest cars in its class, the use of aluminium for the car?s bonnet is met by extensive aluminium componentry in the fully independent suspension setup. The extremely rigid body shell sits on a double-wishbone front suspension design, with a multilink arrangement at the rear. The result is a surefooted and agile feel with a refined ride. Dual Flow Path dampers which reduce low-speed vibration that leads to a choppy ride have also been engineered to refine ride quality.

High equipment levels

As with any other Infiniti product the Infiniti EX continues the Japanese brand?s characteristic of providing highly specified vehicles which offer no extensive option lists and in turn provide value to buyers. As such, the EX features a comprehensive list of standard-fitment extras, across three model grades throughout the range.

? Words and image: quickpic.co.za