Overall rating:

Representing something of an individual choice in a world full of copycat SUVs the Infiniti FX looks like no other, and offers a truly different ownership experience. It doesn't drive half bad either, though you'd never consider it class-leading in any single area - and it's the strength of its competitors that really lets this car down.

Key Facts

Infiniti FX30d GT Premium
Pricing: £51,315
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Body style: five-door SUV
Rivals: BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport
CO₂ emissions: 238g/km
Combined economy: 31.4mpg
Top speed: 132mph
0-62mph: 8.3 seconds
Power: 238hp at 3,750rpm
Torque: 550Nm at 1,750rpm

In the Metal:

One thing the Infiniti FX does do is stand out - the FM ('front-midships') platform means it sports an unfeasibly long bonnet and swept back cab. As Infiniti would like, think sports car melded with SUV and you've hit the nail on the head. Only the grille, fog light surrounds and front bumper have changed for this 2012 model though.

There is even less change to the cabin, which is a disappointment; white instead of red needles for the instruments and an upgraded trip computer display are the extent of it. Its lack of feel good factor (it may be well built and easy to use lacks anything to wow you) is almost as much of a letdown as the comparative lack of space.

Driving it:

Nothing mechanically has changed here, so you're still treated to the (Renault) Alliance developed 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine and its not inconsiderable 238hp and 550Nm of torque. That's enough to allow the firm's largest crossover to complete the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in 8.3 seconds, although the lazy nature of the engine ensures it never feels particularly sprightly.

Which isn't helped by the seven-speed automatic gearbox: shifts are reasonably if not perfectly smooth in automatic mode and occasionally delayed when using the magnesium paddles behind the steering wheel. We also tried the flagship FX50 S model, its 5.0-litre petrol V8 producing another 150hp, and though that version is undoubtedly much quicker and sharper to respond we actually found the diesel the more relaxing drive.

The 3.0-litre V6 is touted as having one of the lowest resonance levels of any diesel engine on sale, and certainly at idle noise suppression is impressive. However, when extended it does become more vocal, and the note isn't particularly pleasant towards the top of the rev range.

Thankfully the FX acquits itself a little better in the bends where its near 55:45 front-to-rear weight distribution affords the crossover excellent balance and agility. Firm suspension and large 20-inch alloy wheels, which can play havoc with the ride - on the motorway especially, ensure body roll is acceptable and grip strong.

Even the driving position is pretty well thought out, with a car-like feeling only spoiled by the large interior mirror being positioned so low down the shallow screen that it creates a considerable blind spot. The sloping roofline does rather hamper rear visibility too, though thankfully a reversing camera is standard across the range.

What you get for your Money:

Key to the FX's appeal is its long list of standard equipment - to match the levels offered in even the most basic model with a direct rival would cost tens of thousands of pounds more. As such even in the £46,780 FX37 entry-level model you'll find all-wheel drive, heated and cooled leather electric seats, Xenon headlights, climate control, an electric tailgate, cruise control, keyless go and 20-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard.

Finding a dealer will be slightly harder though, as there are only five full Infiniti dealerships currently up and running in the UK. At least the firm's personal touch shines through here, with collection of your vehicle and free courtesy cars during maintenance work - though the fact you may not be able to just pop into your 'local' dealer is something to factor in when considering purchasing an FX.

Worth Noting

The Infiniti FX features a number of innovative technologies either as standard or an option - including intelligent brake assist, adaptive cruise control and around view monitor with a 360 degree bird's eye view of any obstacles. Possibly the most interesting is the firm's Scratch Shield self-healing paint - when minor scratches are inflicted on the FX's curvy bodywork the paint will automatically repair itself in the sun.

Summary

There's plenty to recommend here - no other manufacturer offers quite the same level of personal service as the Japanese firm. The FX really does stand out amongst crowds of X5s and it boasts an astonishing level of standard equipment for the cash. However, it's much easier to recommend its main rivals, not least because of the Infiniti's 31.4mpg official combined economy, which is around 8-10mpg off its competitors' figures.