2013 Infiniti FX37 Reviews

As a motoring journalist I typically drive between 250 and 300 cars every year. Yet there are some out there who drive 10 times as many vehicles as I do, perhaps 20 times. The guys and gals who valet park your car in upmarket hotels are finely tuned to the vehicles they drive and take an interest in anything that’s new to them.So when I rolled up to the Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast the other day in a new Infiniti FX the eyes of the guys lit up. To be honest (sorry to all the marketing people at Infiniti) they had no idea what the big SUV was. The badge – showing a road disappearing into infinity – was totally unknown to them. Indeed, though they immediately recognised it as being a prestige vehicle they made a couple of incorrect guesses before I explained that Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota.They loved the looks of the Infiniti FX inside and out, describing it as one of the most stunning vehicles they had seen for a long time. We have to agree with them; unlike other sporting SUVs that are simply standard vehicles with revisions to the body to give it a tougher look, the Infiniti was designed from the start to be a 4WD that was anything but shy.VALUEInfiniti’s big new FX is a genuinely sporting SUV that’s been designed like that from the ground up. With a starting price of around $100,000 it provides very good value in this semi rarefied market segment and we can see it building up strong sales as soon as buyers start to sample its dynamic abilities.TECHNOLOGY - FXsWe tested two Infiniti FXs during a two-week period, one powered by a glorious 5.0-litre petrol V8 that gives it the sort of thrust that’s sure to bring a smile to the face of any keen driver. It not only provides plenty of acceleration but does so with just the right sort of V8 sounds and slightly uneven beat that only a bent-eight can manage.It’s a bit of a gas guzzler in a manner that typical of the breed, though it has to be said that a high-performance SUV using 12 to 15 litres per hundred kilometres in general driving really isn’t all that bad. Interestingly, this is the engine upon which next year’s Nissan V8 Supercar is (loosely) based. Exciting.DESIGN - FXsJust look at the long swooping bonnet with the sort of lowered centre section usually only seen in low slung sports cars; at the sloped rear end styling and the huge wheels and you will soon agree that the shy are retiring had perhaps better look elsewhere.There are disadvantages in any sporting vehicle and the big Infiniti suffers in the cargo area because the long slope of the tail restricts the height of long, tall items. Still that’s not unusual in the latest generation of SUVs. The boot area is long and easy to access through a large tailgate that was power operated in the models we road tested.The interior is as eye catching as the exterior, with the FX having a twin-cockpit area for the two in the front, with a real emphasis on the driving position. During a hot, sticky start to spring up here on the Gold Coast we found the air conditioned front seats to be a real bonus. Seat comfort in front is good with bolsters that give a strong cue to the fact this vehicle is aimed at the sporting driver.Back seat travellers have head and legroom that’s good without exactly being generous, a function of the FX being as more of a tall coupe than a traditional 4WD.TECHNOLOGY - FXThe second week saw us behind the wheel of a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel Infiniti FX. Like all modern diesels the Infiniti unit provides plenty of grunt in the lower to middle ranges, yet is more of a fuel sipper than guzzler. We had no trouble in getting in under eight litres per hundred kilometres on the motorway and even around town sub-10 litre number were the norm.DESIGN - FXBig 21-inch wheels and wide tyres are always going to provide plenty of grip and the suspension is nicely sorted out. Nimble the FX is not, but it does hang on determinedly and is nicely balanced with cornering. There’s some road roar on coarse-chip surfaces but we have hear worse. The complete Infiniti FX range is:FX37 GT 3.7-litre petrol five-door wagon: $83,900FX37 S 3.7-litre petrol five-door wagon: $92,900FX37 S Premium 3.7-litre petrol five-door wagon: $95,900FX30d GT 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $85,900FX30d S 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $94,900FX30d S Premium 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $97,900FX50 S Premium 5.0-litre petrol five-door wagon: $114,900Infiniti FXPrice: from $83,900Engine: 3.7-litre petrol 6.0-cyl, 235kW/360NmTransmission: 7-speed autoThirst: 12.1L/100km, CO2 282g/km

Nissan is pulling a Toyota (Lexus) with its parallel premium brand called Infiniti. It took Lexus years to make inroads into the local market and even now, pales against the Germans.But obviously Nissan thinks Infiniti can cut it with the big boys as the brand lobs this month with a couple of dealers and a couple of cars; the FX, a mid-size luxury SUV priced from $83,900 and the M medium large luxury sedan from $85,900.Infiniti's full dealer network is yet to be established - at least one in each capital city and possibly a few in major regional centres. Infiniti execs are pretty confident of success with their American-centric cars. The two on offer first up have plenty of appeal and are really different from anything else on offer.The FX is up against Audi Q7, BMW X5/X6, Mercedes ML and Lexus RX. It comes fully equipped as standard unlike German competitors which have extensive and expensive options. The M sedan competes with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Lexus GS offering generous luxury equipment levels, way beyond what the competition offers as standard.But metallic paint is $1500 extra...Both vehicles have a four year/100,000km warranty and a generous roadside assistance program with provisions for accommodation, accident coordination, alternate vehicle supply.FX has been around for quite a while and consequently, has older technology. It is powered by a choice of V6 petrol or diesel engines and a 287kW petrol V8 of 5.0-litres rated at 13.1L/100km. The M is all V6-powered with a choice of petrol, diesel or hybrid power trains.The hybrid is the performance model with a total output of 268kW. It's more economical than the diesel and will also operate in full electric mode up to 100km/h if there is enough battery charge. All models have seven-speed automatic transmissions with downshift rev matching and paddle shifters.Drive in the FX is on demand all wheel drive depending on available traction. It defaults to rear wheel drive with the front axle engaged as needed. The M is a conventional rear-wheel drive only. Digital technology abounds in both vehicles especially in the M. Both have Bose audio and the M gets a noise cancelling system to assist quiet running.Incoming cabin air goes through air-conditioning with humidity control, aromatherapy and a grapeseed polyphenol filter to decrease allergies. Four wheel steering is featured on the top of the line M and the FX has an auto tailgate.They are Japanese-made vehicles specifically designed for Americans which explains the overt styling with plenty of chrome and a macho look to the frontal area. Aussies should like them. The FX looks lower and wider than a BMW X5 for a dynamic, road-holding appearance. The M is a touch of S-Type Jag in feel and appearance. Rear seat room in both vehicles is generous and there's plenty of boot space in both models except in the M hybrid which suffers battery intrusion in the boot.Five stars from Euro NCAP for the FX but the M has yet to be tested.There is more of a sense of being in a Lexus than a German car from inside both vehicles - high quality build, tasteful amounts of bling, a quiet environment and a feeling of super-refined engines. They are performance oriented vehicles, underlined during our test drive. All engines offer strong performance across a wide rev range matched by sporty handling in both models. High levels of grip doesn't mean a harsh ride, as it’s "plush" over broken patches of road. The Bose noise-cancelling system works a treat, aided by double-glazed windows.The M sedan will appeal to those looking for something different. And the FX is a big, luxury SUV that will appeal to those looking for something different.

The vehicle in question is more than just a new car. The M sedan launches a brand: Infiniti. It's the premium arm of Japanese maker Nissan, in much the same way Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota. It arrives here as part of a global strategy to expand beyond the US.It defines itself as a challenger brand for those who don't follow the luxury crowd. Carlos Ghosn, the charismatic leader of the Renault-Nissan group, says: “Infiniti is not about being all things to all people, but everything to some people.”With a 500,000 sales target dangling like a noose over his appointment, de Nysschen focuses on the fundamentals. “I don't live or die by the number.” He says it's more important to focus on the product, organisation, retail network and pleasing the customer and if you get all those things right...the sales absolutely will follow.VALUEThe large SUV Infiniti FX is priced from $83,900, while the large sedan Infiniti M is slightly more expensive priced from $85,900. The M goes up against the BMW 5 Series/Mercedes E-Class/Audi A6 and brings four-wheel steering, active noise cancelling and, happily, a hay fever-free cabin to the brand's tech showcase.If Infiniti is to claim a significant share, it will need to move quickly to its next generation of products and fill out its range. As a value proposition and break from the norm, it will attract a few. Like Audi, Infiniti must offer better value to lure people away from the established luxury leaders. “We will price directly against the competition but in terms of overall equipment, the content of our package will be a bit richer,” he says.“We will use that additional value to offset for the customer what is still to be done in building the brand awareness, presence and recognition.” But he believes that Infiniti can avoid falling into a “value trap” of always undercutting your rivals -- something that in China, especially, undermines brand status. Two more models are due this year. The G37 coupe and hard-top convertible are now halfway through a model cycle that starts afresh next year with the arrival of a sedan pitched at junior executives.DESIGN AND GADGETSThe Infiniti execs charged with taking the company global have jetted into the Gold Coast hinterland to explain how a brand that finished seventh in the US luxury charts last year will climb into the top tier alongside the Germans. When a car presentation turns to unusual cabin gadgets, alarm bells ring. If the somersaulting cup-holder is cutting edge, then the engineering priorities were surely wrong.If a fingerprint reader is essential, the car must be sorely deficient somewhere else. I'm being distracted by tinsel and it's the oldest trick in the book. But I'm listening intently to an explanation of a plasma cluster and can't get enough of the grape polyphenol filter. I can just about follow it through my constant sniffs. They sound -- the gadgets, not my sniffs -- like gimmicks but a chance they'll work means I'm interested.TECHNOLOGYIn Australia, Infiniti's 48th market, it begins with two products, the M large sedan mentioned above and the FX large SUV (see panel). A hybrid driveline is available in the top-spec M or two V6s, petrol and diesel. Its V6s are shared with the M and the diesel, sampled at the event, hauled four plus luggage with ease and refinement.Meanwhile the brand's commitment to alternative drivelines was flagged by a striking sportscar concept called Emerg-e at Geneva earlier this year. It's powered by batteries recharged on the run by an internal combustion engine. It will be reinforced by an all-electric midsize sedan study to be shown in Paris later this month. Both are candidates for production and both leverage the resources of the Renault-Nissan group, which has spent billions trying to get pole position on electric vehicles.DRIVINGAfter a short drive in the hybrid M35h, I can vouch for the air-conditioning. But its claims to be the quickest hybrid remained untested and it's difficult not to be aware of its US market origins, with evidence in features such as a foot-operated park brake. Ride and refinement were strong, but from behind the wheel it felt remote.For a “challenger brand”, leading with such a traditional luxury car is itself a challenge. The FX’s dare-to-be-different design works more successfully and although it has similar stateside traits to the M, it was more interesting from behind the wheel.VERDICTDespite being older, the FX was easier to like and should be more popular here.Infiniti MPrice: from $85,900Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel; 3.7-litre V6 petrol; hybrid 3.5- litre V8 petrol plus electric motorOutputs: 175kW and 550N (M30d); 235kW and 360Nm (M37); 268kW combined (M35h)Transmission: seven-speed auto, rear-wheel driveInfiniti FXPrice: from $83,900Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel; 3.7-litre V6 petrol; 5.0-litre V8 petrolOutputs: 175kW and 550Nm (FX30d); 235kW and 360Nm (FX37); 287kW andTransmission: seven-speed auto, all-wheel drive

Our newest brand has stalled on the starting line. Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota. Except Lexus has a host of models and dealers all over the country while Infiniti has launched with just two models, two dealers and no showrooms yet.Over the next few months a Melbourne dealer will join Sydney and Brisbane and their showrooms will be open. Dealerships in Adelaide and Perth will follow by the end of next year. It's a big call for the American-centric brand and none of the global chiefs who attended the press launch on the Sunshine Coast last week is shying away from the fact.But at least the two models they have launched are quality vehicles that will target growing sectors where customers seem to be seeking even wider choice. The models are the FX mid-sized luxury SUV and the M luxury saloon.The FX is competitive on price with the Audi Q7, BMW X5/X6, Mercedes ML and Lexus RX. It's a larger vehicle than the Lexus, but like its Japanese colleague, it comes with a full suite of standard features while the Germans charge substantially more for those "extras".The M competes with the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Lexus GS, and has a similar high level of standard features. However, both models charge an eyebrow-raising $1500 for metallic paint.Warranty is four years and 100,000km which seems low kilometres for our wide, brown land.Resale is not yet established, but Infiniti won a major award in Canada for residual values. Infiniti says services can only be done at qualified centres and with just two dealers currently in Australia that could be problematic.However, their generous roadside assistance program has provisions for accommodation, accident coordination, alternate vehicle supply and will even extend to Infiniti customers' other cars or other vehicles they are driving but don't even own. Infiniti Australia general manager Kevin Snell expects the FX will account for about 80 per cent of sales.FX is the older model of the two and comes with older technology. It is powered by a choice of V6 petrol or diesel engines and a 287kW five-litre petrol V8 that guzzles fuel at 13.1L/100km.The M range is all V6-powered with a petrol, diesel and hybrid set-up. The latter has an impressive total output of 268kW that sips fuel at a lower rate than the diesel. It will also operate in full electric mode up to 100km/h if there is enough battery charge.Snell expects only 10 per cent will opt for the V8 or the hybrid models while the others will be evenly split. All models have seven-speed automatic transmissions with downshift rev matching and magnesium paddle shifters. Drive in the FX is via an intelligent system that defaults to 100 per cent rear-wheel drive and delivers up to 50 per cent torque to the front wheels when the lights go green, when the back wheels start to slip or in cornering.The M is a more traditional rear-wheel drive. The analogue clock on the centre console of both vehicles is contradictory to the digital technology that abounds, especially in the M. While both have Bose sound systems, the M includes active noise cancellation that is similar to Bose headphones.There are two microphones in the ceiling that monitor engine noise between 2000-6000 revs, and then creates a reverse soundwave to cancel that sound. It works whether the sound system is on or off, but it doesn't negate road noise and it deactivates if you open a window or door.You can breathe easy in the saloon which has a "Forest Air" airconditioning system with humidity control, a grapeseed polyphenol filter to decrease allergies, airflow that replicates natural breezes, aroma tropical oils that can reduce stress levels of occupants, sensors that switch between fresh and recirculating air depending on oxygen levels and aromas, and an ion generator to remove bacteria and smells.M also has active four-wheel steering in the top trim level where the back wheels turn the same direction as the front. At up to 40km/h the front wheels turn more than the back, but at higher speeds, the back wheels steer more. FX has an auto tailgate which is a must with any SUV with such a large rear door.These Japanese-made vehicles are specifically designed for Americans, so there are some bold slaps of chrome and a macho grille outside and fake wood, big cup holders and wide, wide seats inside.But neither will offend Aussie tastes.The FX is actually a delicate and almost feminine design that looks more like a Porsche Cayenne than the macho X5. It's also lower and wider than an X5 for a very dynamic, road-holding appearance. There is a Jaguar S Type feeling about the exterior design of the M and a not unlike Jag feeling of gentlemanly glamour in the cabin.Rear seat accommodation in both vehicles is generous although the transmission and seat hump in the middle of the back row means being the fifth person is a little uncomfortable. There is also plenty of boot space in both models, except in the M hybrid which positions the large battery behind the rear seats leaving a puny amount of luggage space.FX has been crash tested in Europe for a five-star result, while the M has yet to be tested. Both come with a suite of standard safety features including six airbags, rearview cameras and blind spot warning.Product planning manager Zac Loo says the M has two world firsts in safety: blind spot intervention and total surround view, both available in the Premium trim. They go further than similar systems found in most other luxury cars.The flagship M models also get distance control assist which is similar to adaptive cruise control, but way better.Instead of only working when you select a speed at which to cruise, when this system is activated, it works at any speed whether you have selected cruise speed or not.It also actively warns when you are closing on a vehicle in front too quickly by pushing back on the accelerator. If you are closing to overtake, then you can easily override the system by pressing harder on the throttle.Since it's designed for litigious Americans there is a plethora of annoying warning beeps that you have to manually disengage to preserve your sanity. Neither model has a full-size spare. Instead, they get a mix of a repair kit or temporary tyres depending on trim level and model.Infiniti Australia managing director and CEO Bill Peffer hates being comparisons with Lexus, but it's unavoidable. There is more of a sense of being in a Lexus than a German car when you ride in either of these vehicles.Both have high quality build, tasteful amounts of bling, a quiet environment and a feeling of super-refined engines. Peffer says their vehicles are more performance oriented and a quick dash through the hills and dales of the Sunshine Coast hinterland testify to that.All engine variants we tried were strong and powerful and the cars and SUVs handled with a nimble agility expected of much smaller vehicles. The four-wheel steering takes some getting used to, initially feeling dead and then becoming more alive as your hands relax and stop fighting for control.Certainly the old "Elk test" (a high-speed swerve-and-recover test) is much more controllable with four-wheel steering, cancelling any whiplash effect. It also pays dividends in tight and twisty sections of smooth tarmac, however the diesel models feels more nose heavy with a slower turn into corners.There is plenty of grip available in both models yet the ride is on the plush side over the broken patches of country road pummeled by milk trucks. Seats are big and wide without a lot of support, so you slide around in corners, but they are comfortable with a supple leather.Some of that Lexus quietness is due to the Bose noise-cancelling system as well as double-glazed windows, yet there is still some road noise evident. As for the Forest Air, we noticed a faint diesel smell as we tailgated a colleague in the diesel model for a while, but it quickly disappeared again.We love the distance control assist system and would prefer it as the default setting rather than having to turn it on every time you get in the car. You can't even program the computer to accept it as a default.The M sedan is bristling with technology and style that should attract those who are tired of the competitors and crave something different. The FX is a big and comfortable luxury SUV that will appeal to those who aren't particularly concerned with fuel prices. A hybrid is not coming until the next model.

Money talks. but Infiniti won't reveal prices or spec details until closer to the late-August launch of Australia's newest luxury brand.That makes rating it in the prestige hierarchy — Lexus, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz — all but impossible.Infiniti Cars Australia general manager Kevin Snell says he won't chase volume by making it a "budget prestige" brand. "That just defeats the purpose of being in this market. People buy these types on vehicles on value and image, not price," he says."The younger Gen Y buyers are looking for something different. In many cases they see European prestige cars as representing their parents' values."So Infiniti wants to be different, right down to the design of its cars with the signature bulging front guars pushing up in to the bonnet. Snell knows the look won't suit the conservative crowd — and is happy about it.THE RANGEThe FX all-wheel drive SUVs are expected to account for more than 80 per cent Infiniti cars for the first 12-18 months, headlined by the V8-powered FX50S.The M35h hybrid will be the only sedan in the line-up at launch but will be followed by the small-sized G Coupe and G Convertible towards the end of the year and the next-generation G sedan is due in late 2013.Infiniti can tap the resources of Nissan and Renault and has grabbed two of the best engines in the alliance's inventory in the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel from Renault and the 3.7-litre petrol V6 that is best known in Nissan's sporty 370Z.PRICINGWith no news from the Australian arm, a look at the British Infiniti website shows the FX range has four basic spec levels, GT, GT Premium, S and S Premium. Prices start around $74,000 for the base FX37, with the diesel engined FX30d just $135 more. At the top of the tree, the FX50S Premium sells for $92,500. In comparison, BMW's X6 range — the closest in terms of looks to the FX — starts at $74,200 in the UK for the xDrive30d, steps up to $75,500 for the xDrive35i and costs $92,000 for the xDrive50i. The range-topping, turbodiesel xDrive50d adds another $8000. Expect local prices to be more than the UK figures but still on a par with Infiniti's Euro rivals.DRIVINGThe focus on performance is obvious in all the cars during a brief drive in New Zealand this week. They go hard and hold the road better than a high-riding 2.1-tonne vehicle should be able to.FX37 normally rolls on 20-inch rims but the test vehicles were S variants with stiffer suspension and 21-inch wheels covered with 265/45 rubber. Tyre noise on the coarse chip surfaces around Queenstown was noticeable from 80km/h up, but it was made more obvious by the lack of wind noise coming off the A-pillars and chunky side mirrors.The FX37 officially uses a litre less fuel over 100km than the V8, but that ain't the case when it's trying to catch its bigger brother. The six-cylinder's fuel use of 14.6L/100km was above the 13.1 Carsguide in the FX50.That was largely due to the transmission kicking down a couple of gears on when attacking hills to keep the 3.7-litre engine revving. The V8 was generally happy to cover the same ground in a higher cog.The BMW X6 has the edge in on-paper performance but in the real world there won't be much between the two vehicles. The heated and ventilated front leather seats in the Infinitis are snug, supportive and stylish and the FX doesn't want for standard kit.It also has the safety software to suit this class, from adaptive cruise control to lane departure warning and a tyre pressure monitoring system. And the sloping roofline that helps give the car its stand-out shape doesn't limit headroom for 180cm-plus rear passengers.VERDICTInfiniti has the vehicles to compete on the road. Now we need to know the value equation to see how the newest prestige player will compete in showrooms. Don't expect the other brands to sit back and watch, though, which can only be good for all potential prestige buyers. .Infiniti FXPrices: TBAWarranty: TBAResale: NAService intervals: TBAEngines: 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6, 175kW/550Nm (FX30d); 3.7-litre V6, 135kW/360Nm (FX37); 5.0-litre V8, 287kW/500Nm (FX50S)Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, all-wheel driveBody: 4.86m (L), 2.13m (W), 1.68m heightWeight: NAThirst: 9.0L/100km, 238g/km CO2 (FX30d); 12.1L/100km, 282g/km CO2 (FX37); 13.1L/100km, 307g/km CO2 (FX50S)Infiniti M35hPrices: TBAWarranty: TBAResale: NAService intervals: TBAEngine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol-electric hybrid, 268kW/620NmTransmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Body: 4.95m (L), 2.06m (W), 1.5m (H)Weight: NA Thirst: 6.9L/100km, 158g/km CO2

Pricing will be the key to Infiniti's success in Australia - despite the company refusing to announce prices until closer to the official launch in August.Audi, BMW and Lexus all have very capable vehicles and Infiniti will have to play on price as well as looks and performance The brand will launch with three platforms and a total of eight cars, all based on Nissan's 370Z architecture. But that range will progressively expand to seven models by 2015 when Infiniti expects to give German rivals Audi and BMW a serious hangover.Ironically, that will be partly due to the arrival of Daimler-sourced four-cylinder powerplants.FX crossoversThe BMW X5 leads the luxury SUV market - and the squared-off Beemer is right in the FX's headlights.Infiniti will launch the all-wheel drive model with all the flavours needed to satisfy demand, from a punchy 3.7-litre V6 petrol model to a 3.0-litre turbodiesel and a hi-po 5.0-litre V8 that (just) out-accelerates the Porsche Cayenne V8 S's 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds, though it can't match it on fuel efficiency.Infiniti says the FX50S will be more than $100,000 but adds that standard equipment levels will better those of its rivals, from the seven-speed automatic transmission to the 11-speaker Bose sound system.The V6s represent a more realistic real-world drive but Infiniti Australia general manager Kevin Snell predicts the FX50S will be the most popular of the trio at launch as early adopters chase the kudos of owning the top-end model.I'd buy the diesel. Its 0-100km/h time of 8.3 seconds doesn't reflect the effortless mid-range surge that is on tap once the vehicle is underway. The long bonnet and solid rear roof pillars means up-close visibility isn't a strong suit in the cars, which is why they're fitted with an array of cameras to help when parking, while the 50 also has four-wheel steering to help with cornering at carpark and freeway speeds.The driving position is closer to a luxury sedan than an SUV and the interior is as luxurious as a penthouse suite. That premium feel continues with the dynamics, with the steering precision not far off a Beemer and with more feedback than Audi's SUVs.Rear legroom is limited if the front-seat occupants are 180cm or more and there's not a huge amount of boot space - two suitcases will fill up the back.M sedansThe M37 petrol engine and M30d diesel donk are the same as those found in the FX range.The headline act for the mid-sized rival to the 5 Series, Audi A6 and Lexus GS350 is the hybrid M35h. It uses a 3.5-litre V6 with 225kW and 350Nm combined with a 50kW/270Nm electric motor. The combination has led to Guinness World Records certifying the car as the fastest-accelerating production hybrid car with a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds.Fuel use is said to be 7.0-litres/100km and there's the now-expected three driving modes. The most efficient Eco mode increases the resistance of the accelerator pedal to discourage putting too much boot in. I'm not a fan but it is effective. The Infiniti sedan isn't far off the pace in terms of interior fit and finish either. The approach is busier than Audi's benchmark interiors but the execution is hard to fault.The switchgear has a solid feel and the satnav system is easy to drive and read while the voice instructions are timely and not confusing. G coupe and convertible The two-door G models are the oldest cars Infiniti Australia will bring in at launch and that's one of the reasons the company is holding off on the sedan variant of the small prestige car until the model model arrives late next year.Carsguide drove the M37 convertible that will be a direct competitor with BMW's 335i hardtop and reckons it will have the biggest task of any of the Infiniti range. The seamless six-cylinder engine in the 3 Series Beemer has more mid-range urge than the Japanese-built Infiniti and rear visibility is also marginally better.On the flip side, the default kit in the Infiniti is more extensive than that in the BMW and Infiniti says that will resonate with buyers who resent having to select - and pay a premium for - options boxes for what they consider should be standard creature comforts in a prestige vehicle. If we had a price the comparison would be much easier, but Infiniti won't talk hard numbers given it is still five months from putting cars in showrooms.The look is more lithe than the BMW though and that should earn it a following among those who want to stand out from the crowd.VERDICTIf the price is right Infiniti will wedge its way into the prestige market. It has the looks and performance to appeal and the company's research shows there is a market for cars that don't have the sharp crease lines that typify the major players in this space.And it's not looking to conquer the world -- just 10 per cent of it. Based on the execution so far, that's not an unrealistic expectation.MODELS:FX30d/M30d - 175kW/550Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbodieselFX37/M37/G37 - 235kW/360Nm 3.7-litre V6 petrolFX50S - 287kW/500Nm 5.0-litre V8M35h - 275kW/620Nm V6 petrol-electric hybrid