Earlier this month, full details of the Infiniti G37 Convertible were released. Now prices have been announced for the Infiniti FX, a luxury crossover vehicle that will be part of a five-model range. Prices for the FX will start at £42,600 when sales begin in September. Also revealed is the site of the first purpose built Infiniti Centre in the UK.

The FX was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. At first, two engines will be offered: a 3.7-litre V6 and a 5.0-litre V8; while a V6 turbodiesel is expected to join the range next year. Infiniti claims that the FX is the lightest vehicle in its class, which helps explain the claimed performance figures. The V6 develops 316bhp, which enables 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and 145mph flat out. For the 325bhp V8, Infiniti quotes a 0-62mph time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph. Both engines comply with the latest Euro 5 emissions regulations and combined cycle fuel consumption is 23.4mpg and 21.7mpg for the 3.7- and 5.0-litre engines respectively. The bigger engine produces 310 grams of CO₂ per kilometre with the smaller unit managing 282g/km.

The FX line-up starts with the £42,600 Infiniti FX37 GT. Mated to the 3.7-litre engine is a seven-speed automatic transmission with 'intelligent' all-wheel drive; leather trim is standard. An extra £2,000 will buy the FX37S, which gets sports front seats, adaptive dampers and 21-inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres - instead of the 20-inch rims fitted to the GT. Top of the range is the FX50S, which costs £53,800. Along with the larger engine, it gets active rear steering, intelligent cruise control and intelligent brake assistance. All models benefit from Nissan's 'Scratch Shield' paint, which can repair itself after minor abrasions.

For more major work owners will have to refer to one of twelve regional Infiniti Centres opening over the next two years. The first Centre will be located on the outskirts of Reading with two further centres due to open in London. The aim of these centres is to provide 'VIP' service to customers and to be more like boutique hotels than traditional dealerships.

The Infiniti Centres will look after the five-model range. As well as the FX there is the G37 in saloon, coupé and convertible guises and the EX37 crossover. All five models will go on sale this September so expect to hear a lot more about this newcomer to the UK over the next few months.

John Lambert - 11 Jun 2009