Infiniti FX test drive since 2008 SUV

Exclusive: Infiniti FX 2009

I want to admit: I'm not indifferent to universal cars. No, I have never been a fan of SUVs. And even the modern influx of crossovers does not force me to grab but your head (in attempts to choose the best you can die!). But I was always interested in cars that behave perfectly on the asphalt, retaining the characteristics of the SUV.

This is what made me look ten years ago late in the evening to the Subaru dealer to realize the dream of 2.5RS; For this reason, I could not wait until I could sit on the BMW X6. And for this reason, I again ended up in San Diego to evaluate the Infiniti FX 2009 for some time.

Frankly, I liked the last generation FX. I went so far that I recommended it to my friend, noting that the car does not have the best driving characteristics. In its first appearance, the FX was somewhat away from its clumsy collectors of SUVs, combining the advantages of functionality and some sports behavior. However, thanks to the interior made by specialists from the school in drawing and suspension made of granite, he did not much meet the requirements of customers. Despite this, FX holds its niche in this sector, which is still waiting for its name. The 2009 models strive, however, this time rivals, who learned what the beast weighing more than two tons should be on the heels of Infiniti.

Firstly, FX looks a little formidable. Not enough to scare away, but in the framework of the modern direction of style for SUVs. It is difficult not to be formidable, having such a massive look. Of course, the body is not sophisticated, but it cannot be said that it is simple, but not elegant both concepts that become mandatory for the sector. Understanding that Infiniti should have its own special design when constructing, we would like these changes to be similar to the G series and save the lattice that could be repeated on other Infiniti brand cars. At least the ventilation holes on the arches of the front wheels are functional, helping to reduce temperature in the motor compartment and increasing the clamping efforts while moving at increased speed.

Speaking about the exterior, FX 2009 retained all the basic forms of his predecessor, increasing the width of the track and lengthening the wheelbase. However, it is important that he retained the same average (FM) layout, as on the G35 sedan. This means the best weight distribution in its class (FX50 AWD 54/46, FX35 AWD 53/47, FX35 RWD 52/48) and a potential selection of power transmission, which looks preferable on paper. The initial level of the FX35 is coming out equipped with familiar and loved by many 3.5-liter V6 VQ35HR engine, with a capacity of 303 hp. And the torque of 262 feet with a drive to the rear, or all wheels, according to the Attesa E-TS system. If you do not depend on the wind (read: fuel cost), you can choose a FX50 model with a 5.0-liter V8 VK50ve engine with a power of 390 hp. and a torque of 369 feet in a full-wheel drive standard version. Both models gained an advantage in the form of a six-speed automatic box with a manual displacement mode and automatic revolutions. In addition, Infiniti appropriated and uses on all FX steering petals, which first appeared on Nissan GT-R. You are already excited, but that's not all.

An independent suspension for all four wheels is re -redibred (paired transverse lever of the pendants on the front and multi -blue suspension behind), widespread use on FX, from suspension to the door, aluminum products, reduced the total weight of the machine by 400 pounds. To combat a hard trip, which caused the recovery of the owners of the early FX, Infiniti installed the CDC system (an electronic system for continuous control of damping), which allows the driver to choose a car or sport system, switching between soft and hard suspension behavior. Standard FX35 are 18-inch wheels with five knitting needles, the same as EX35, in addition, there are lightweight 21-inch Enkeis discs dressed in 265/45R21 summer tires with improved characteristics (only for FX50). However, these are only visible differences.

Remember a decrease in 200 feet? This weight loss applies to new standard models of 2009. Starting from the seats and ending with protective devices, the new FX reflects the trends of the latest technologies that are difficult to list. Let's start in order so that nothing is confused in my head.

The intellectual cruise control system has become a de facto of any model worth more than $ 50,000, and it is also part of the FX technological solutions. Fortunately, it works impeccably. Set the cruise control at any speed of 1 to 90 miles per hour and the FX will retain a safe (three-second) distance to the running car. The system works easily, functionally and turns into the need for people living in transported city zones. The same applies to the monitor of a circular review, in which four cameras are involved (one in the front grill, the other in the hatch, and two more just below the side mirrors), providing a panoramic clean review around the car. During our trip, the system worked flawlessly and protected us from receiving scratches during parking in the quarter of gas lamps in San Diego. These two devices are easily clear, let's go further.

The modern climate control system has the same two-zone settings as in the previous version, but this is where their similarity ends. The Plasmacluter filtration system removes the web, fungi and other undesirable particles from the cabin and works in a pair with an air filter that removes dust, allergenic particles and, according to Infiniti, deodorizing the abilities of both systems are able to absorb any undesirable odors.

Also, the set of technological devices includes a system of automatic distance control (DCA), an intellectual braking amplifier and a warning system for crossing the marking line (LDP).

Let's start with the automatic distance control system (DCA), using a set of laser sensors installed in front of the car and warning the driver about approaching ahead of the car. In an emergency, the system sends a reference signal with which the recovery of the accelerator pedal is performed. If this does not help, the IBA system warns the driver with a sound and visual signal on the instrument panel. If no action is taken from the driver, the system performs braking, trying to reduce the possible impact strength. Too much in your opinion? FX 2009 in the standard version comes out with a warning system about the intersection of the marking line, in which there is a camera installed above the rear view mirror, which determines the deviation from the movement line (turning off occurs when the steering wheel is rotated by an angle exceeding two degrees). Absolutely unbearable sounds are heard when we happened to touch the continuous line on winding roads, which forced me to randomly press the buttons above my left knee, but the most frightening is that when the tracking system is turned on, it really slows down one of the wheels, returning you to you The road. Scared? We, in truth, too, but it should be an acquitted device.

To save time, we will not tell you in detail about the protective visor, forced control of the rear wheels, 12-point (12!) Lighting when opening doors, voice control of all devices, ranging from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and ending with the audio system, navigation system XM Navtraffic and a musical box with a hard drive of 9.3 gigabytes.

Forgetting about letter contractions and conveniently sitting on the driver’s seat, you can guess that the exterior is just the development of the previous model. The interior received the lion's share of attention. The seats are covered with pillows and propped up with rollers, they also have heating and cooling, and are produced as a whole version of materials. The dashboard is easily read, and on the steering wheel only a few control devices in order to avoid overload with technological devices. On the central panel there are only the necessary buttons to perform the necessary tasks. If you do not find the right button using the joystick located on the central panel and connected to the display, you will quickly and easily find what you need. In general, the interior decoration is a significant step forward compared to the previous generation, and old luxury is successfully combined with modern technological innovations.

In the motion of both the FX50 with the V8 engine and the FX35, equipped with the V6 engine, both other SUVs behave, emphasizing their sports behavior. The comfort of the movement, of course, is better than on FX and even in the case when shock absorbers are configured for sports mode, and this is not like a punishment for the kidneys that we felt earlier. The steering cannot be called attractive, but this is what could be expected from a car of this size and weight. The power of the V6 is sufficient, vibration at a speed of 2500 revolutions per minute is completely not felt, while uneven sounds are heard on V8, creating a significant vibration felt on the pedals. Both engines have strengths, however, V8, having more weight, surpasses the V6 in fuel saving (16/21 city/highway for V6 versus 14/20 for V8), many buyers will make their choice in FX35 options according to their requirements.

Having drove about twenty miles, we stopped at the nursery, and Infiniti had the opportunity to convince us that the FX combines the control of the car and the universality of the SUV. Having folded the seats, we placed two five -foot seedlings of oak along with two soil bags intended for the center for restoring forest plantations that restore forests affected by fire last year in South California. It was a good gesture, although it would be more convenient at another time. The road along which we were sent was winding and exciting, like the pages of Playboy magazine; With two trees and a couple of bags with soil behind the seats, we did everything possible for two and a half hours so that these trees did not make holes in the backs of the seated. To say that we did not have the opportunity to disperse FX above 5/10 of its possibilities would not be a dimming, but this one prompted us to experience FX on the way back.

For a car classified as a heavy car, Infiniti has a good ratio between the comfort of movement and the rigidity of the suspension. Where FX is completely weak, it is contact feedback. Steering contacts are hidden under a thin mask of novocaine; The movements are sometimes jerky, and the switches do not always react quickly enough. We absolutely did not have complaints regarding the acceleration of the engine, since there was no reason to disperse the engine (even without plants located in the rear sector), but there should be something that will attract customers with a large wallet. FX simply does the work that is expected from him, and a little more.

Our verdict will not be a big surprise, taking into account the efforts made by Infiniti to decorate FX with a large number of technological innovations, thanks to which the service center for many years will be engaged in configuring electronics. While the security system, an improved interior and magic devices made a strong impression, the driver occupies a second position after electronic devices in the car, so we would like to see something else for our universal needs.
 

Source: Autolet.ru