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The Infiniti FX is an interesting alternative to the norm, but lacks space and comfort to compete in this class

There are several elements to the Infiniti FX’s styling that will be familiar to keen Infiniti fans, such as its double-arch grille, its ‘wave form’ bonnet and its rather unique headlight design. Yet as a whole the FX represents a departure for Infiniti, as well as a refreshing alternative to the less stylised ranks of its rivals. Perhaps more than any other SUV, it looks and feels like a true hybrid: part 4x4, part coupé, part traditional sports utility vehicle.

That look is emphasised by the Premium model’s vast 21in wheels and tyres, which fill out the enormous wheel arches and make the FX look lower and meaner than normal. Even in standard guise it’s fair to say that the FX makes its presence known on the road, even if it is one of the smaller, lighter cars in this class.

It’s fair to say that the FX makes its presence known on the road

The FX’s headlights have a distinct Infiniti look to them, and they mirror the design of those found on G37 models. Chromed air vents aft of the front wheel arches are also an Infiniti hallmark.

Infiniti describes the FX as being “front mid-engined” because its engine is mounted unusually far back in the chassis, which allowed the designers to create a very short front overhang. Airflow has been thought about at some length, even over items such as the LED tail-lights, hence the competitive drag coefficient of 0.36.

There are cameras to the front and rear, as well as on the door mirrors, which give the driver an impressive all-round view of the car’s extremities on the central screen in the cabin.

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There are plenty of nice details inside and out, such as the clever Scratch Shield ‘self-repairing’ paint which is standard on all versions and the near silent operation of the windscreen wipers.

A mid-life facelift in 2012 changed very little of the FX's exterior appearance, as more than one in three FX buyers chose their Infiniti based on its looks. So apart from a new grille, the FX is still as brash and distinctive as before. Other subtle tweaks include new alloy wheel designs, new paint colours and a different instrument panel inside.