CD Article: 2008 Infiniti EX35

[Mitlov]

Could be the only compact ute the VW Tiguan bests in the cargo department 

I dunno, the new Saturn Vue seems to compete with the Mini Cooper in that regard.

[Zombie]

I like it. It looks great (way better then the X3) and with almost 300 HP  wow its going to be fast.
If it had a manual gear box I would consider one.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Could be the only compact ute the VW Tiguan bests in the cargo department 

I dunno, the new Saturn Vue seems to compete with the Mini Cooper in that regard.

I thought so too, but looked and the VUE is measured at 29.2 cu ft with the seats up. When looking at one in person, the depth was decent but the load floor seemed quite high. Regardless, I can't imagine the real world usability being as different as the specs indicate between it and X3/Tiguan.

[Jaeger]

Interior looks great.  Exterior styling doesn't make me tingle all over - but then no vehicles in this class do, either.  Love that multi-camera-view thingy.  Should scoot along quite smartly with that VQ.

Jaeger

[Mitlov]

Am I the only one who thinks that the interior is too "blobby"?  Too many rounded rectangles and ovals.  The air vents in particular remind me of a five-year-old rental car.  I think it takes organic lines too far.

[jww]

I think that Infiniti is making a solid attempt at going after RDX buyers. Looks aren't drop-dead gorgeous - but are definitely more than passable. Interior is Infiniti-true - in other words, it's beautiful inside. Comfortable for 4 with some cargo space.

But - will it move CX-7 buyers to Infiniti dealerships?

[Jaeger]

CX-7 has it trumped on exterior styling ( it is easily the best in class for stylish sheetmetal) but I doubt it will best the Infiniti in any other category save price.  Likely there will be more RDX / EX35 cross-shopping going on.  That's a comparison test waiting to happen.

Jaeger

[Iso Octane]

Nice styling.  It seems Infiniti is following through with a family face.

G chassis > CRV chassis.  Also, fuel mileage for the RDX seems to be quite poor.  Meanwhile the EX with it's VQ35-HE (or whatever designation it is now) has two, count'em, two intake channels, just like it's sporty siblings.  Now that's just cool.

[auto_enthusiast]

I'm more inclined to believe that the second-generation FX will come out in 2009, and will be bigger.

That was my thought/assumption as well.

Rumours suggest that the next FX may get the big V-8 - in the form of the Armada/Titan 5.6 liter.

[mmret]

Am I the only one who thinks that the interior is too "blobby"?  Too many rounded rectangles and ovals.  The air vents in particular remind me of a five-year-old rental car.  I think it takes organic lines too far.

I think its pretty nice, nothing that immediately offends me the way some interiors do. Not sure about the cream steering wheel as I think it might get dirty a bit quickly? The whole setup definitely conveys a feeling of "I'm filthy rich, and I deserve this, dammit!" Especially the center armrest bit, very large and full, like first class airplane seats or something.

In any case my objections are not to the interior, but rather to the philosophical travesty that is a G35 on stilts with a (presumably) tiny cargo area and an ugly ass front end, this thing is a crossover only for the sake of being a crossover (not that others aren't). Hate the FX too.

[Mitlov]

In any case my objections are not to the interior, but rather to the philosophical travesty that is a G35 on stilts with a (presumably) tiny cargo area and an ugly ass front end, this thing is a crossover only for the sake of being a crossover (not that others aren't). Hate the FX too.

I agree.  I'd much rather have a G35 wagon than an EX35.  And the trend is going from bad to worse:

[mdxtasy]

I think that Infiniti is making a solid attempt at going after RDX buyers. Looks aren't drop-dead gorgeous - but are definitely more than passable. Interior is Infiniti-true - in other words, it's beautiful inside. Comfortable for 4 with some cargo space.

But - will it move CX-7 buyers to Infiniti dealerships?

I can see CX7 buyers going into Nissan to look at a Murano.....but Infiniti is a bit of a leap.  Too much spread there....X3 and RDX owners would take note.  Maybe the one or two LR2 buyers would come by too. 

[airbalancer]

It is also hard to find an Infiniti dealer just to see one,
I would have drive about 100km just to see one.
I know you can get though a Nissan dealer, I dont know of many that would have them on the lot for you to drive

[Juke1]

CX-7 has it trumped on exterior styling ( it is easily the best in class for stylish sheetmetal) but I doubt it will best the Infiniti in any other category save price.  Likely there will be more RDX / EX35 cross-shopping going on.  That's a comparison test waiting to happen.

Jaeger

It's all a matter of taste, I do not find the CX 7 or 9 attractive at all

[Jaeger]

CX-7 has it trumped on exterior styling ( it is easily the best in class for stylish sheetmetal) but I doubt it will best the Infiniti in any other category save price.  Likely there will be more RDX / EX35 cross-shopping going on.  That's a comparison test waiting to happen.

Jaeger

It's all a matter of taste, I do not find the CX 7 or 9 attractive at all

Which vehicles in this class do you find attractive?

[inco]

Pricing is going to make a difference here and Nissan (Infiniti) will need to make sure they get it right to score. An opportunity exists, if they get it right.

Competitors are RDX, CX-7 and X3 I guess. Both Honda (okay Acura) and Mazda offer four cylinder engines versus the sweet six in the EX. BMW also has a great six, but at a much higher price point compared to Mazda and Acura so being in the same range as Mazda and Acura will be that opportunity.

IIRC the EX is built on the same frame more or less as the Rogue. So if price matters Nissan has a nice four for you. Want a little more panache? Try on the EX version with a six. Two different crowds and appeal. Good strategy?

[Jaeger]

IIRC the EX is built on the same frame more or less as the Rogue. So if price matters Nissan has a nice four for you. Want a little more panache? Try on the EX version with a six. Two different crowds and appeal. Good strategy?

As I understand it, the Rogue is based on the Sentra platform, while the EX is based on the G35 platform, with an FX-based rear suspension.

Jaeger

[ktm525]

The fuel issue is interesting. Owners manual calls for premium while Mazda (Canada?)says regular will be "just fine". Wanna bet that the Mazda makes nowhere near those HP/TQ #'s on regular? Anyways what is the point of this thing? If I want sporty ride/handling I will buy a wagon. If I want an SUV I will buy a real truck. The crossover thing is making more confused every day. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

In any case my objections are not to the interior, but rather to the philosophical travesty that is a G35 on stilts with a (presumably) tiny cargo area and an ugly ass front end, this thing is a crossover only for the sake of being a crossover (not that others aren't). Hate the FX too.

I agree.  I'd much rather have a G35 wagon than an EX35.  And the trend is going from bad to worse:

I have to say that X6 Concept in black is one of the most stunning close-to-production vehicles in awhile. I've never been truely taken by the CLS, but this does it for me. Sticking the 2-mode hybrid parallel to a BMW I6 in it is all the more reason to like it.

[DockMan]

I have to say that X6 Concept in black is one of the most stunning close-to-production vehicles in awhile. I've never been truely taken by the CLS, but this does it for me. Sticking the 2-mode hybrid parallel to a BMW I6 in it is all the more reason to like it.

 :iagree:That is hot! Nice rear end on it.