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Infiniti EX35
Journey Review: This car, the Infiniti EX35, is a vehicle
that defies classification. In some ways, it's simply a svelte
crossover. If you took a Chevy Traverse, gave it space ship styling, put
it on a diet, and added a bunch of luxury gadgets inside, you'd end up
with something very similar to this Infiniti. The EX35 is more than that
though, or perhaps less, depending on how you see it.
Unlike most crossovers,
which are big, bulky and roomy because they're trying to mimic giant
SUVs, the EX35 isn't much bigger than a mid-size sedan. It's cozy
inside, not quite cramped, but certainly not the kind of vehicle in
which you can lean back, stretch out your legs and take a nap.
That's not a good thing
if you're looking for a monster luxury cruiser, but it's perfect if you
want something with more pizzazz.
It's a fun car, or SUV,
or whatever you want to call it. The handling comes close to what you
get in Infiniti's excellent sports sedans, with lots of tactile feedback
through the suspension and steering wheel. It's one of the sportiest
crossovers around, akin to a lighter, more carefree version of the BMW
X3.
In fact, that lighter
feel makes me prefer it to the X3 on some roads. It's like driving a
kite compared with the BMW's jetliner, with an ultra-precise feeling
that inspires confidence and makes you smile. On the flip side, the EX
begs a question: Why not just buy a sports sedan if that's what you
want?
This Infiniti doesn't
offer much more practicality than any ordinary four-door family car. The
overall space in the cargo area is comparable to what you'd find in a
sedan. It's not any more family friendly than a well-thought-out
passenger car. In that sense, you could say Infiniti took a great sports
sedan and ruined it by adding flab.
Really, what separates
the EX from a sports sedan is it’s styling. It's very unusual,
especially with so many crossovers starting to look alike and grow more
bland looking. The EX, it just stands out.
It's a sensuous style,
one with plenty of curves and swoops on the bodywork. The roofline is
fantastic with its gentle slope cascading onto the long hood to give it
a distinctive, sporty shape. It is a polarizing style, though. Like any
car that makes a strong statement, not everyone will like it. It has a
strong, confident personality to it that you'll either love or hate.
Inside, the EX makes
great use of technology. It's filled with all kinds of gizmos, including
several available features that I suspect will grow more common on other
luxury brands a few years from now. As of today Infiniti seems ahead of
the curve with the EX.
The most notable option
is a camera system that helps when parking.
There are four video
cameras positioned around the car so you can get a 360-degree view on
your dash, showing exactly how close you are to obstacles as if looking
at the car from above. It's almost magical in its simplicity, one of
those ideas that makes you say, "Why didn't I think of that?"
What was
tested? The 2010 Infiniti EX35 Journey RWD with a base price of
$36,000. Options on the test car: The Bose & Around View monitor package
for $2,150, illuminated kick plates for $280, the premium package for
$1,750, and the upgraded tire & wheel package for $500. The total MSRP
price as tested including the $865 destination charge is $41,545.
Why avoid it? If
you want sports-sedan performance, you should probably do the obvious
thing and shop for a sports sedan. The EX doesn't add much extra
functionality compared with a four-door family car.
Why buy it? It
has the look of a sleek crossover and performance of a sports sedan. It
has lots of interesting technology, including a camera system that gives
you a bird's eye view of the car when parking.
By Derek Price ©
AutoWire.Net - San Francisco
The Bottom Line:
The 2010 Infiniti's EX has the shape of a crossover with the more
compact dimensions of a sports sedan. It's a car that feels futuristic,
both with how it looks and with its tech-filled interior. Four video
cameras mounted around the Infiniti EX can give you a 360-degree view of
the car, perfect for parking in tight spaces. It's a car that seems
custom-made for city driving in today’s busy world.
Bottom Line
Review provided by: Tony Leopardo © AutoWire.Net
“Tony the Car Guy”
is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay
Area. If you have a question or comment for Tony send it to
TonyLeo@pacbell.net or visit AutoWire.Net at
www.autowire.net
And remember: “ You Are
what you Drive ”
Infiniti Home Page
Column Name: Infiniti
EX blurs the line between sedans and crossovers
Topic: The 2010
Infiniti EX35 Journey RWD
Word Count: 863
Photo Caption: The 2010
Infiniti EX35 Journey RWD
Photo Credits: Infiniti
Journey Internet Media
Series #: 2010 - 41
Download
the Microsoft Word version here:
2010 Infiniti EX35
Journey
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2010 Infiniti EX35
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