CTC Review: 2008 Infiniti EX35

[airbalancer]

Looks nice but who need almost 100 kg of cat litter  ( I was have breakfast )

[quadzilla]

James: Can you take some measurements of the trunk?

1) From seat back to inside the hatch.
2) Between wheel wells.
3) Between the walls near the back.

Thanks.

[Jaeger]

I haven't had an opportunity to examine one up close yet, but I sure am seeing them all over the place (usually flying past me at high velocity).  My first impression is "good looking, but tiny".  Doesn't seem like it would offer much if any extra room over a G35 sedan.

Jaeger

[JT816]

I personally think this vehicle (CUV, SUV, wagon, hatchback, whatever you want to call it) is a very good deal. A luxurious 300HP awd vehicle for $40k. It's cheaper than the G35x (which is essentially the exact same vehicle with exact same options) so unless you really love the G35's look muchmore than this EX35, I don't know how Infiniti expects people to shell out an extra few thousand $ for the G35x.

But a word of warning for people considering this vehicle. I have 3 friends who have the the G35 (1 of them a G35x). The leather quality for the seats isn't the greatest, cracked and stretched to varying degrees on all 3 vehicles and the fuel economy is terrible with that 3.5L engine. 2 of my friends drive their vehicle with a soft foot, one of which has the awd (sf), while the other has a heavier foot and their fuel average ranges from 14.0-16.3L/100KM, which is nowhere near the rated fuel economy.

[Demosthenes X]

  Fuel economy is brutal, and I know the G35 takes premium...  I'm guessing the EX will, as well.  Can't comment on the leather quality - we've had a G35 coupe in the family for two years and it's in great shape, but it's probably on had 20 000km on it in that time.  A side note, my dad finds the seats in the G more comfortable than in his Mercedes...  I found that interesting, to say the least.

If Infiniti would offer an EX with a six-speed as a no-cost option, then I would call it a serious competitor for the STI and EVO.  Not as fast or fun, sure, but way more luxurious and a lot prettier, too. 

[wing]

James: Can you take some measurements of the trunk?

1) From seat back to inside the hatch. 33 inches
2) Between wheel wells.  43 inches
3) Between the walls near the back.  55 inches

Rough measurements.

[APSCORADIALES]

One of the worst vehicles for space utilisation.
My 1999 2 door BMW has faaaaar more space in the back seat, and is much easier to get into.
Rubish, and a total waste of good metal.

[quadzilla]

James: Can you take some measurements of the trunk?

1) From seat back to inside the hatch. 33 inches
2) Between wheel wells.  43 inches
3) Between the walls near the back.  55 inches

Rough measurements.

Thanks. Doesn't sound too bad for the type of car it is.

To compare the new Jetta Wagen is 42/39/50.

[DDR]

Infiniti SUVs are pretty ugly in my opinion... and so are most car/minivan based SUV.

But, if that's what fits your needs and style, go for it.  Infiniti reliabiliy is great.

[Craig]

G35, G35x...the fuel economy is terrible with that 3.5L engine. 2 of my friends drive their vehicle with a soft foot, one of which has the awd (sf), while the other has a heavier foot and their fuel average ranges from 14.0-16.3L/100KM, which is nowhere near the rated fuel economy.

This is the main reason I went with the TSX over a G35.  Similar fuel economy numbers have been reported by G35 drivers for a while.  I just don't need the extra power, and I drive so many kilometres that I didn't want to be using 14L/100km for 32,000km/year.  I'm saving over $2000/year in gas alone by using <9L vs. 14L.  I know I could get down below 6L with a TDI or hybrid or economy car, but a guy has his standards

Back to the EX, I really thought it was based on the Rogue when I saw it at the Infiniti dealer while I was in for service.  Real off coincidence, with both being introduced so close together.  Knowing it's based off the GX makes it more appealing, even if the utility is questionable.

[safristi]

who needs a TSX or any expensive car for their major MILEAGE anyway?....have a cheap and cheerful lil thing in the driveway for your days when U won't /can't WALK..BIKE or BUS it.........and save the TOYS  for Sunday/Holiday FUN....

[Craig]

who needs a TSX or any expensive car for their major MILEAGE anyway?

I don't "need" it, but I like it, and I can afford it and vacations if I want.  From a purely economic standpoint, any new car is a wasteful expense.  But I know the complete history of my car, I am confident in it, and the driver's seat is now broken in nicely for my butt.

[Demosthenes X]

Besides, some sucker has to take the initial depreciation hit, otherwise there'd be no used cars for the rest of us to buy!   

[Craig]

Demo, if any of my low-mileage cars turn out to be lemons, I'll give you first crack at them.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I like how Infiniti styled the EX, the power and value, and the luxurious leather touches and intimate/coddling interior they've created.

HOWEVER, I find it fairly space inefficient as well. The cargo capability is quite tiny (sloping hatch doesn't help), and the seat room front and rear smallish... but if you're a smaller person or could live with a luxurious performance-oriented compact car but appreciate extra ride height it is a compelling package. And from image alone looks good.

Inadequate space wouldn't put it anywhere near my shopping list tho.

[Jaeger]

Well said SirAqua.

It seems that since this thread started I am just seeing these things EVERYWHERE.  I thought they looked good at first blush, but find I am liking the looks even better now.

One thing I wonder about - and this touches upon the fuel economy issue - is Nissan's choice of a 5 speed automatic when it seems that everyone is going for 6 (or more) speeds these days.  Surely a taller overdrive gear would assist (with highway mileage, anyway).

On a recent Oakville to Stouffville return trip I got an average of 8.2 l / 100km from my 3.5l 6 speed manual Altima.  I was doing at or just under 120 for most of the trip.  On a longer road trip to Vermont - where I was babying it - mostly under
115 (I so did not want to have a "hello officer" experience in a foreign country) I did even better.  If I had "only" 5 forward gears I doubt my numbers would have been as good - and I think those numbers ARE pretty good for so powerful a motor.

Jaeger

[quadzilla]

One thing I wonder about - and this touches upon the fuel economy issue - is Nissan's choice of a 5 speed automatic when it seems that everyone is going for 6 (or more) speeds these days.  Surely a taller overdrive gear would assist (with highway mileage, anyway).

I doesn't matter how many gears the car has, just the final ratio. A 6 speed could have (and sometime does) have the same final ratio as the 5 speed did. Also, with the amount of power this engine is putting out, there should be no reason why either final drive would have to be different. Just fix the spacing in the first 5 gears.

I think the TSX is an example of this. The 5-auto cruises at a lower rpm than the 6-manual does.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Think Infiniti as a whole has products geared more towards men. Certainly the G, M, and FX in my mind are quite masculine. The QX too although some women like to own the road too - gotta be safe out there. This is the only Infiniti that I think really appeals to females with its sensual styling, rich interior, manageable size, and around-view camera... very much doubt that was an accident. Of course, with the power and handling males won't be afraid to drive it either.

I haven't seen many in my neck of the woods, but sure do notice when I do.   

[airbalancer]

I do not think I have seen any out this way
Can anyone over 6-1( 1.82m) drive this vehicle

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I do not think I have seen any out this way
Can anyone over 6-1( 1.82m) drive this vehicle

I can sit up front, but just find it confining feeling. The long hood and swoopiness means pillars are closer to you and the roof ends behind rear passenger's heads so feels lower, but the head room itself is certainly adequate.

Is there an Infiniti dealer in Kingston? Don't know if there's one between central Toronto and Ottawa?