2008 Infiniti EX35 RWD Journey

2008 Infiniti EX35 RWD Journey Quick Facts

Base Price:	$34,850
Price as Tested:	$41,215
Horespower:	297 Hp @ 6800 rpm
Torque:	253@ 4800 rpm
0 to 60:	N/A
ABS Brakes:	Standard
Side Curtain Airbags:	Standard
EPA Fuel:	17/24 m.p.g. city/highway
Towing Capability:	No
Off-Road Capability:	No
First-Aid Kit:	Standard
Notes/Additional Info.:	Base price does not include a $815 destination charge.

Crossover vehicles that combine car chassis with sport-utility function are the “go to” players in the current automotive market. Manufacturers are looking for new ways to reinvent the formula, in the hope of capturing customers whose needs aren't met by existing models.

Infiniti's new EX35 is a mid-sized crossover vehicle combining the profile of a coupe with a two-box interior. The automaker is reaching out to sports car enthusiasts who need a versatile cargo space to meet their active lifestyle needs.

Built on the same platform as the G coupe and sedan, the EX35 has Infiniti's signature arc profile, large wheels pushed to the corners, and bi-xenon headlamps that wrap around the front fenders, framing the double-arch grille.

As interesting as I find the concept, the jury's still out on its execution. The size is perfect: the EX35's 110-inch wheelbase and 64-inch track make it highly maneuverable and easy to park. Front seat passengers have plenty of leg and hip room, though second-row passengers may feel a bit short-changed.

The exterior looks like a four-door sedan, with a hatchback in place of a trunk. The front of the car seems logical, but the back looks unresolved. The C and D pillars almost touch, framing small, illogically-shaped windows. As is the current fashion, thick D pillars create large blind spots to the rear. The rear glass seems exceptionally small.

The test car has a rear backup camera that eliminates those blind spots when the driver shifts into reverse, but it doesn't help weaving through traffic. I also found the outside mirrors to be an obstruction when I cornered, especially to the left.

The paint on the car deserves mention. A new self-healing technology removes small scratches from the clearcoat. A special elastic resin mixed into the clearcoat increases the paint's flexibility. The healing process takes anywhere from a day to a week, depending on ambient temperatures and the depth of the scratch.

Race-inspired Performance

I love the sinuous feel that Infinitis have in motion. The automaker has used its experience on the racetrack to create passenger cars that are nimble and responsive at all speeds. As crossover vehicles go, the EX35 has an extremely low coefficient of drag, which gives it better-than-average fuel economy. EPA stats are 17/24 mpg city/highway, but I averaged just over twenty during my test drive. Infiniti recommends premium fuel for its high compression engine, so drivers can expect to pay extra at the pump when they do fill up.

The front, engine, rear drive configuration makes the EX exceptionally well balanced: weight distribution is approximately 52/48, front to rear. For those who live in snowy climates or plan to go off-road, the EX is also available with all-wheel drive.

Engineers used lightweight components when possible in the engine and suspension. Optional eighteen-inch wheels on the test car are part of the Luxe style package that also adds adaptive, auto-leveling headlamps. The car has a wide, stable footprint, with excellent on-center feel.

The fully-independent suspension consists of a double wishbone setup mounted to a subframe in front, and multi-link design in the rear. It has enough compliance for the real world, but maintains a sporty, responsive feel.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine is the same as the block in the G35 sedan. Paired up with a five-speed automatic transmission, it can accelerate extremely hard off the line and pass other cars with ease. Variable valve timing maximizes engine power without sacrificing fuel economy. A twin ram air intake and dual exhausts make the engine breathe well.

Braking is firm and linear, thanks to vented front and rear rotors with standard four-channel antilock brakes. Vehicle dynamic control and traction control are also standard on all models.

Visibility at night is excellent, thanks to bi-xenon headlamps that come as part of an option upgrade. a rear wiper keeps the back glass clean in bad weather.