New Infiniti EX compact performance SUV greets luxury market with elegance

New Infiniti EX compact performance SUV greets luxury market with elegance

First-in-class safety technology from new Infiniti EX High performance V6 engines to satisfy sportier drivers Dynamic crossover coupe style As part of Infiniti’s brand new South African offering, the new Infiniti EX compact performance SUV enters the local market with a blend of sporty crossover design, luxurious appointment and powerful engines to provide an elegant […]

By Herman Moolman29 June 20124 min read
  • First-in-class safety technology from new Infiniti EX
  • High performance V6 engines to satisfy sportier drivers
  • Dynamic crossover coupe style

Infiniti EX

As part of Infiniti’s brand new South African offering, the new Infiniti EX compact performance SUV enters the local market with a blend of sporty crossover design, luxurious appointment and powerful engines to provide an elegant yet sporty offering in the compact SUV segment.

REINVENTING THE COMPACT SUV

With its crossover design style which mixes the stance and poise of a compact SUV with coupe-like styling and proportions, the new Infiniti EX has reinvented the way compact SUVs look. With an advanced chassis it also reinvigorates how they drive, and with extensive standard specification the new Infiniti EX proves to be a formidable competitor.

Traditional 4×4 boxiness has been completely disregarded in the Infiniti EX’s design, where a sleek and sporting coupe has provided inspiration for the design. The EX’s driving character – refined athleticism – is accurately reflected by the long bonnet and sharply-tapering roofline.

Infiniti EX Logo

The signature Infiniti double-arch grille has been blended seamlessly with the flowing contours and soft edges of the body, and the complexly-shaped xenon headlights are also an Infiniti signature. Chrome trim edging around the glasshouse reinforces the coupe look and provides a strong character line at the rear where the window kicks up to form a triangular C-pillar. Rear privacy glass and elegant 18-inch alloy wheels add to the sophistication, while LED tail lights and an integrated spoiler distinguish the rear. Efficient aerodynamics have been achieved with the low roofline (the Infiniti EX has a drag coefficient of 0.33), which also aids in lowering the centre of gravity and boosts visual dynamism.

A luxurious interior with fine quality and fittings brings with it a strong element of practicality as well, making the new Infiniti EX a great all-rounder. Focus on the driver has been achieved thanks to a sculpted-out cockpit, and all Infiniti EX passengers enjoy sumptuous comfort with leather upholstery all-round (standard on GT and GT Premium models). Careful attention has been paid to ergonomics too, allowing for relaxed and comfortable driving.

Even with a full complement of passengers on board, the EX offers practical boot space, enhanced by a 45-litre under-floor storage compartment. When it comes to carrying larger loads, the EX has a user-friendly trick up its sleeve: each portion of the split-folding rear seats can be remotely lowered or raised simply by pressing a button.

Infiniti EX Engine

ATHLETIC DYNAMISM WITH V6 POWER

With two engine variants available in the new Infiniti EX range, all models offer spirited performance and a dynamic drive. Intelligent all-wheel drive systems are employed throughout the range as well, ensuring not only sturdy driving
enjoyment but also safety in all weather and road conditions.

The new Infiniti EX30d features a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine which provides great fuel economy and stupendous power across three model grades – EX, EX GT and EX GT Premium. A meaty 175 kW are on offer at 3750 rpm, matched by 550 Nm of torque at just 1750 rpm, which is enough to get the new EX30d from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 221 km/h. Fuel efficiency is, in line with a diesel engine’s characteristics, impressive – the combined average for the new Infiniti EX30d is 8.5-litres per 100 km, and carbon emissions are 224 g/km. On the open road, average fuel consumption drops to a notable 7.2-litres per 100 km, translating into a cruising range of 1100 km.

On the petrol front are the new EX37 GT and GT Premium models, which feature a well-sorted 3.7-litre V6 engine, which produces 235 kW at 7000 rpm and generous torque of 360 Nm at 5200 rpm. In this version, the 0-100 km/h dash is over in just 6.4 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h. Featuring VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift), the petrol motor’s fuel efficiency is not at all disappointing. Average fuel economy on the combined cycle is 11.3-litres per 100km, and CO2 emissions are 288 g/km.

Both engine variants are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission with a Drive Sport (DS) mode. DS locks out the top two gears and allows manual shift control for a truly spirited driving experience.

APPROPROATELY HIGH SAFETY LEVELS

In keeping with the rest of Infiniti’s new South African range, the new Infiniti EX features the same high standards of active and passive safety equipment. Included as standard across the range, ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and BAS (Brake Assist System), six airbags and ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), feature. ISOFIX child seat anchor points and active head rests are also included.

EX30d GT Premium models benefit from a host of added safety features including Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Infiniti’s Around View Monitor(AVM).

LDP makes use of a camera to monitor road markings and a yaw effect is created by selective wheel braking to nudge the Infiniti EX back into its prescribed lane, should the vehicle wander unintentionally. ICC with IBA, which monitors the vehicle’s speed in accordance to vehicles travelling ahead, pre-pressurises the brakes when FCW detects a possible frontal collision. FCW goes even further, applying up to 100% brake force should the driver not intervene in time to avoid an accident. The acclaimed Around View Monitor uses front, rear and side-mounted cameras to provide the driver with a complete 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making manoeuvring in tight spaces an absolute cinch.

AGILITY AND CONTROL THANKS TO INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

The all-wheel drive system fitted to all Infiniti EX models has been designed with a rear-drive bias thanks to ATTESA E-TS – Infiniti’s Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split. The system’s brain works constantly to find an ideal torque split between the front and rear wheels, using a central clutch to maximise grip on slippery surfaces without compromising the Infiniti EX’s rear-drive feel on dry roads. An element of oversteer has also been engineered into the car’s dynamics for a more sporting drive.

A key element to the Infiniti EX being one of the lightest cars in its class, the use of aluminium for the car’s bonnet is met by extensive aluminium componentry in the fully independent suspension setup. The extremely rigid body shell sits on a double-wishbone front suspension design, with a multilink arrangement at the rear. The result is a surefooted and agile feel with a refined ride. Dual Flow Path dampers which reduce low-speed vibration that leads to a choppy ride have also been engineered to refine ride quality.

Infiniti EX South Africa

HIGH EQUIPMENT LEVELS AS STANDARD

As with any other Infiniti product the new Infiniti EX continues the Japanese brand’s characteristic of providing highly specified vehicles which offer no extensive option lists and in turn provide value to buyers. As such, the EX features a comprehensive list of standard-fitment extras, across three model grades throughout the range.

At entry EX level (EX30d only), features include: automatic bi-xenon follow-me-home headlights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control with a speed limiter, front and rear parking sensors, a full-colour central display with Infiniti Controller, a seven-speaker audio system with single CD, MP3, WMA and DivX readability and a 2GB Music Box, USB and auxiliary ports, Bluetooth for both audio streaming and mobile phone operation, keyless access and starting via an I-Key (which includes a memory function for the driver’s seat and door mirror positions), electric front seats (8- and 4-way adjustment for driver and passenger seats respectively), a multifunction leather steering wheel, black lacquer and aluminium interior trim, dual-zone automatic adaptive climate control with rear vents, powered folding rear seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, electric folding and heated side mirrors, privacy glass, LED tail lamps and self-healing paint. The I-Key is an expression of Infiniti hospitality: when approaching the car, the encrypted signal primes the vehicle’s systems to accept a command.

Optional extras include metallic paint, polished aluminium roof rails and Connectiviti+ (standard on GT and GT Premium models), which comprises a 30GB  Hard Disk Drive satellite navigation system, a single CD changer with MP3, WMA and DivX compatibility and a 10GB Music Box, a hi-resolution touch screen and a reversing camera with display, linked to the front and rear parking sensors. An electric glass sunroof (standard on GT Premium) and hand-crafted Maple Wood trim are also optional.

Available at GT level in EX37 or EX30d guise, spec upgrades include electric steering wheel adjustment, leather seat facings, 10-way driver’s seat electric adjustment (with 8-way adjustment for the front passenger) with memory for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and mirror positions (the I-Key gains seat position memory as well), heated front seats, tilting side mirrors when in reverse, an integrated jacket hanger (on driver’s seat headrest), 19 inch alloy wheels, Connectiviti+ and an 11-speaker Bose® premium sound system.

Rounding off the range are the new Infiniti EX37 and EX30d GT Premium models, which gain technologically advanced features that set precedents in this class. These include Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control with Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and an Around View Monitor with corner parking sensors.

A TOTAL OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Infiniti vehicles are covered by a comprehensive warranty that covers the first three years or 100 000 km of ownership. In addition, a five-year or 100 000 km maintenance plan is standard on all models.

All Infiniti vehicles are also covered by a comprehensive roadside assistance programme – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Infiniti is renowned globally for providing a quality customer experience, in all facets of the buying process and vehicle ownership thereafter. Dedicated Infiniti Centres provide a welcoming environment which emphasises core Infiniti values – luxury, design and comfort – making the Infiniti ownership experience a truly pleasant one.

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