Facelift for Infiniti FX

Infiniti's 'crossover' FX model has received a facelift, conveniently before its arrival in Australia. The restyle is the first applied to the FX since its release in Europe in 2009, and is designed to bring the SUV's appearance in line with the rest of Infiniti's new corporate face.

The FX's front-end benefits from "carefully wrought changes." According to Infiniti, the FX is the brand's biggest seller in Europe and "buyers love the way the FX looks and they love the way it drives so the last thing we are going to do is make changes for change's sake," said Bernard Loire, Infiniti Vice President for Europe and Middle East.

The grille and front bumper have been restyled to give the FX's front-end a bolder appearance, more along the lines of the Essence concept car unveiled the same year as the FX. A new design for the 21-inch alloy wheels has been added to customer options, and a standout 'Iridium Blue' is now among the FX's exterior colour palette.

The FX, M Series sedan and G37 (Coupe and Convertible models first) are expected to form Infiniti's launch lineup when the brand starts business here in August.

In Europe the FX range includes four models, starting with the FX30d diesel model and topping-out with the S Premium. Infiniti has not confirmed which FX models will arrive but we can at least expect the 3.0-litre diesel and at least one of the 3.7-litre V6 petrol versions will be offered to Australian customers. All FX models come with all-wheel drive and seven-speed auto.

A special FX Vettel model is available in Europe but don't expect it here and there's no word on the FX Webber...

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