Infiniti FX50 2012 Review - International

Infiniti FX50

Infiniti's FX 'crossover' SUV will bring a distinctive new look when it arrives in Australia, come August of this year. With its long bonnet and hatchback-like cabin, writ large, the FX seems to hark back to styling from an earlier time, but updated for the 21st Century.

Infiniti will place the V8-engined FX50 at the pinnacle of the locally-delivered FX range. An imposing machine with a commanding presence, the FX50 — with the 290kW, 5.0-litre DOHC V8 — will offer refined power delivery for safe and easy touring. In these days of high petrol prices the V8 won't exactly have buyers clamouring for the new car, but it's icing on the cake for those who want a complete package.

For a car that Infiniti claims will tackle BMW's X5 when it arrives in the country in August, the FX50 seems more like an X6 rival, if anything. The style of the FX, with its sweeping windowline at the rear, its dramatic frontal treatment and its unrepentant packaging, appears to be all about distancing itself from the entirely practical and the utilitarian — the mundane, in other words.

This impacts on the V8-powered FX50 in two significant ways: rear-seat legroom and luggage space, both of which seem to come up short. Infiniti claims that the FX50 will carry four golf bags, but with the cargo blind in place it left room for one larger suitcase and perhaps a couple of laptops. In mitigation, headroom in the rear is more than adequate for adults, and while there's less room for stretching out the legs, there's enough kneeroom there to relax on reasonably long journeys.

In other ways too, the FX50's style becomes an issue of substance in itself. The windowline and the engine cowl are quite high and the roof pillars are not ideal for all-round visibility, but the packaging creates a more intimate ambience. From the inside looking in, the FX50 was a collection of trim materials that were attractive, pleasant to touch or both. Where most cars make do with plastic alone, the Infiniti offered a mix of chromed metal and brushed aluminium highlights, carbonfibre, suede, leather — as well as plastics, both hard and soft.

By being more of a crossover than a hardcore offroader, the FX50 actually succeeds in being a capable tourer on the road. It is quiet, naturally, and the vehicle tested was not short of equipment, including a reversing camera, sunroof, three-position memory for the driver's seat, manual power fold-in mirrors, Bluetooth and dual-zone climate control. This particular FX50 was a limited edition model for the UK market, so one or two of those features won't necessarily feature as standard in the car for Australia, although history suggests a vehicle such as this may very well come packed to the gunwales with kit.

On the basis of our limited run in the FX50, it's fair to say it was safe and secure in weather that was great for ducks — ducks with thermal underwear and shares in a ski resort. On the drive to Milton Keynes, north-west of London, snow flurries actually began to hit the windscreen and the trip computer displayed an outside temperature of three degrees. The FX50 felt surefooted, stable and predictable at all times. There was no hint of compromised traction or roadholding on England's coarse-grade bitumen. Left on the 'Auto' damper setting (there's a 'Sport' setting also) the Infiniti would exit corners as competently as many lower-riding passenger cars. The steering weight and response are about right, although feedback through the wheel is unlikely to match its principal German rivals.

The 5.0-litre V8 that drives the FX50 is a delight. It's beautifully smooth and uncomplaining at any revs. Whether pulling at lower speeds or hitting its straps at redline, it's muted, yet highly responsive to the driver's demands. By the end of our drive, however, the trip computer was showing fuel consumption of 16.3MPG (about 17.3L/100km) — and that was despite a good, hour-long motorway run. The seven-speed automatic transmission coupled to the engine operates with refinement, although it can be a little tardy changing down manually — the FX50 came with shift paddles for sequential gear shifts.

In spite of misgivings as regards the field of vision, the FX50's driving position is an optimal choice. The car comes with large exterior mirrors, the reversing camera mentioned, Around View Monitor and acoustic guidance, courtesy of ultrasonic parking sensors, front and rear. Additionally, the driver's seat offers an effective range of height adjustment settings to find the best balance between ease of entry/exit and a commanding view of the instruments and the road ahead.

Electrically adjustable lumbar support ensures continuing comfort on long-distance trips and the length of the squab is generous for under-thigh support. In general, the seat meets a decent standard for comfort and support.

The Sport setting for the dampers doesn't provide much value, based on our limited experience travelling Britain's well maintained regional roads. Perhaps the function would make more sense in Australia, but as it stands the default damper setting provides a modulated mix of ride and handling to suit the needs of the typical buyer. If the Sport damper setting seemed to be redundant, the Snow setting for the drivetrain seems like a bonus, for those Aussies who do drive into the mountains during winter for their recreation.

The design of the dashboard forms a sweeping 'S' across the top, between the passenger-side A pillar and the instrument binnacle. Infiniti describes this feature as a 'double wave' look. There's a large, terraced expanse of plastic housing the passenger's front airbag, above the glovebox. In execution the look is reminiscent of Jaguar's treatment for the XJ, but like many aspects of the FX, it remains a point of difference that actually sets the Infiniti apart from competitors in the segment.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site