Infiniti FX test drive since 2008 SUV

Hippo with fangs

Any community is characterized by both their starters and inconspicuous Tikhoni. And if we draw an analogy with the car, then the Infiniti brand can be compared with a person who merged with wallpaper and furniture. But for the time being
 
It was still impossible to understand more recently what this company intends to conquer customers: it did not have a chip. At the same time, Lexus products, although they were a boring sight, were known as comfortable and perfect. Infiniti models looked pale shadows of their rivals with a stylized letter L on the radiator grille. And this continued until the Japanese dared to go in a different way and endow the machines of a fair amount of dynamics. The turning point was the output of the amazing Infiniti FX crossover (20032008). His appearance fascinated buyers on both sides of the ocean, and in many respects it was thanks to him that Infiniti seriously came to Europe and Russia.
 
It is because of the appearance that many choose this machine: if the hippo were a predatory beast, then probably at least remotely resembled FX. Kindness in an inconceivable way is combined in a machine with incredible anger; In the squint, his headlights are more charisma than in the guise of many cars! I must say, even after many years of operation in Russia, the corps of the vast majority of copies look fresh and presentable.
 
Yes, the model is unstable, but the quality of the paint is very worthy, there is no need to worry about the rust or loss of the product.
 
And what about an electrician? You can also forget about her, as well as about corrosion? Not really. Like any modern car stuffed with electronics, Infiniti is not safe from failures in the on -board power grid. In particular, many fuel sensor has a fuel sensor, does not differ in reliability and climate control, sometimes the windshield washer stops working, the audio system is failing, and in addition, the central castle does not work from time to time. In general, this machine is quite capable of breaking the nerves of its owner.
 
Incidentally, there are enough disadvantages in the interior: in particular, in many copies there is a play of driver's seat. But the rest of the salon makes a dual impression: everything looks great (especially among later models released after 2006), and there are no complaints about ergonomics, as well as noise insulation. But there are complaints about the low quality of plastic in American FX35, in European cars in this sense, everything is in order. There are enough spaces in front and behind, and with such tank glanding, it does not leave much to be desired and a review (unless it is very convenient to look back).
 
However, the shortcomings of the passenger compartment and electricians are largely full of the dynamics of the model: the base of the base FX35 is similar to the BMW X5 4.4 of the previous generation, which is not surprising, since their power is similar. Well, on FX45, with a certain luck, you can also bite with x5 4.8is. The sound accompaniment of this dispersal is simply incomparable! FX is controlled by the standards of large crossovers is quite decent, though to the detriment of riding comfort: in ordinary modes, the suspension seems elastic, while on bad roads causes certain discomfort. In general, the driver and passengers clearly feel how the chassis works. Well, as for the brakes, for this machine, they are clearly not enough after several braking to the floor, they overheat and float.
 
Specifications
 
Body SUV
The number of doors 5
Sum of places 5
Length, mm 4754
Width, mm 1928
Height, mm 1825
Wheel base, mm 1812
Road clearance, mm 235
(adjustable optionally)
Suspension:
Front
The back
independent, on transverse levers (with pneumatic racks)
independent, on transverse levers (with pneumatic racks)
The drive is complete
Brakes:
Front
rear
disk ventilated
disk ventilated
Gas tank volume, l 100
Passive safety rating*, protection:
adults
children
pedestrians
*****
****
*
Acceleration to 100 km/h, s ** 8.1
Max. Speed, km/h ** 225
Fuel consumption, l:
town
highway **
19,7
10,7
 
* According to EURONCAP.
** Data for a car with a 4.2 liter engine.
For FX, they have only two engines, but which ones! To drive a car in the base, the legendary VQ35DE motor (283 hp) was used, tested on a huge number of different Nissan models. The top power unit (VK45DE) already has a 4.5-liter working volume, where 319328 hp is seething. There are no serious problems with any engine if you change the oil with filters every 10 thousand km. Well, to refuel the tank with expensive 98th gasoline, although this is rather a wish than a prescription. These motors are also digested without special consequences, though they will lose in acceptance.
 
Note that there were no surprises at all. Some owners were faced with the fact that their cars were not started even in a small ten -degree frost. Another weak point of the cooling system. Many owners of the FX were forced to change the current radiator.
 
Unfortunately, not everything is safe with the box. In itself, it does not differ in brittleness, however, cases of refusal are numerous, especially in the early FX. And the same cooling radiator is guilty of this, in which antifreeze and ATF are suddenly mixed. There is an occasion to think about installing a separate remote oil cooler. By the way, not all FX are all -wheel drive. In Russia, they drive, albeit a little, cars with rear leaders.
 
The suspension brings a lot of worries to the owners, and for the most part due to the rather heavy 20-inch wheels, due to which the chassis is quickly broken. In addition, it is difficult for them to find rubber of a suitable size, especially winter. First of all, hub bearings suffer: FX owners often contact the service with a complaint about an obsessive rumble. The levers are not very reliable, but they sell them, as luck would have it, only assembly, that is, separately ball or silent blocks cannot be found. It does not tolerate Russian roads and the steering rack, informing his painful condition with irritating knock. But the most unpleasant topic for any owner FX brake. The discs are as if made of paper, and half of the cars skiing in our country, at least once after intensive braking.
 
A lot of FX came to us from America (they officially began to sell them only a few years after the world premiere), and even there, they are not carefully treated with expensive cars: the oil is not changed by the counter, but when it seems to be replaced by other owners to replace other technical fluids Not spent at all
 
FX is a wonderful alternative to any European or Japanese luxury class crossover. He has a characteristic appearance, bright temperament on the go. Cool choice! But only if he is new. Increased cars, unfortunately, demonstrate not too high reliability. Of course, buyers of such models have money for their maintenance, but, firstly, cars are presented on the market that require owners of lower costs than FX, and secondly, not every driver will agree to drive with the idea that in any The moment may not work any button or servo drive, and in addition a box will fail or a bearing buzzes the situation that non-original parts for this machine are practically not provided.
 
The advantages and disadvantages of the model
 
Advantages
Excellent handling
Convenient salon
Dynamic appearance
Flaws
Low quality of finishing materials
Mediocre sound insulation
Average level of sledding
 
Approximate prices in Moscow, rub.:
 
700 000 (FX35 of 2003 release);
950 000 (FX35 of 2005);
1,100,000 (FX45 of 2005);
1 750 000 (FX35 of 2008);
2,000,000 (FX45 of 2008);
2 590 000 (new FX35 in the basic configuration);
3 190 000 (new FX50 in the basic configuration).

 
 

A source: Magazine Cars and prices November 17, 2009