2012 Infiniti FX review
* Updated flagship SUV driven * Changes to front styling and interior * On sale now, priced from 46,750...
The Infiniti FX has been given some very subtle cosmetic updates for 2012.
Most obvious is the new front grille, which takes its design theme from the Infiniti Essence concept car that was revealed at the 2009 Geneva motor show.
There are fresh alloy wheel designs and two new colours Graphite Shadow and Iridium Blue, with the latter getting Infiniti's scratch-repair technology.
Other updates include a new steering wheel design on the GT and GT Premium models.
The engine line-up is unchanged, so buyers can choose between petrol options of a 316bhp 3.7-litre V6 and a 385bhp 5.0-litre V8. There's also a 235bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel, although with average economy of 31.4mpg, it's not especially efficient.
Whats the 2012 Infiniti FX like to drive?
Blisteringly quick, to the extent that you could easily forget youre driving such a big car.
The 5.0-litre V8 blasts the FX from 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds, although you need to put the automatic gearbox in sport mode, because it's rather ponderous in normal.
Even the diesel engine can propel the FX from 0-62mph in a very respectable 8.3 seconds, and it responds more eagerly than the V8 in the mid-range thanks to its extra torque.
The FX feels agile and has responsive steering, so you can hustle this big SUV around corners with ease.
However, the ride is firm, making the FX nowhere near as cosseting as rivals such as the Range Rover.
Whats the 2012 Infiniti FX like inside?
For a car in this class, a luxurious interior is a prerequisite rather than a bonus, but the FX's doesnt make the grade.
The basic materials are of a high quality, but the overall atmosphere falls short of that offered by rivals.
It gets worse, too; despite the FXs huge size, the interior feels cramped and claustrophobic. The front seats are cocooned by a large central console that seems better suited to a small sports car.
The exception is in the back, where headroom is generous and legroom adequate, but other than this, it's hard to see how or why the FX is so big on the outside.
The boot is particularly disappointing. With a load space of just 410 litres with the seats up, the FX offers the same space as the much smaller Nissan Qashqai and less than half of that provided by a Range Rover.
Dropping the rear seats gives a more respectable 1305 litres of space.
Should I buy one?
Striking looks and exclusivity (just 300 were sold in the UK in 2011) give the FX some appeal, plus Infiniti centres offer a fantastically personal ownership experience.
However, the thirsty engines, firm ride, cramped cabin and tiny boot mean that it's not possible to recommend the car over any of its main rivals.
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