2005 Infiniti FX45 (Video Clip)

The Sport Sedan Utility Vehicle (SSUV)


When does a category of vehicles cease to exist? Never. It only continuously reinvents itself. Where there used to be a clear line between cars and trucks, there is now only vague indications of what is what. Many vehicles nowadays are called crossovers. The proper definition for this term would read something like: "A blending of characteristics into one entity". Many cars and trucks are categorized as Crossovers such as the Ford Freestyle, the Subaru Outback and the Mazda 5. These automobiles are "blendings" of similar body styles such as minivans, station wagons or SUVs.

The Infiniti FX is one very particular blend of two types of vehicles: An SUV and a Sport Sedan. And why not? There is a market out there for just about anything a car manufacturer can build. The FX first came to us in 2003. If Infiniti's goal was to create something different, well they did it. The term SUV is basically loosing its core value. Many of these vehicles are not designed to be driven too far off the beaten path. They are more like a go anywhere in the city in any type of weather form of transportation.

The 2005 Infiniti FX pricing starts at $53 200 and tops out at $69 700.

Styling

What do you get when you cross a G35 and a QX56? An Infiniti FX. The whole idea behind the styling of the FX is to combine a hatch, 4 doors and the soul and abilities of a sports car. It has a proportionally long wavy hood and very short overhangs. Together with small profiled headlamps and a shoulder-high beltline, the FX looks very slick. The in-your-face expression is easily attributed to the truck's wide stance and mega-huge 20" chromed multi-spoke wheels.

The rear end is slightly more subtle although it still has the required dual-exhaust pipes and the smoked-crystal taillights. Visibility is good towards the front and the immediate sides. The rear ¾ and rear view are a whole other ballgame. Thankfully, my top-of-line tester came equipped with a rear-view camera which made parking manoeuvres an absolute breeze.

The interior quarters of the FX are actually less significant than one would imagine, especially when considering the outer dimensions of the truck. Generally speaking, the fit and finish is especially good as is the selection of materials for the most part. The center portion of the dashboard is littered with HVAC, audio and navigational controls. Although confusing at first, the busy jumble of buttons seems more to serve the purpose of saying that "It's got everything" than assist the driver. As the days go by, the driver will become accustomed to the location of the most useful commands. The navigation, which is not touch-screen operated, is simple and straight forward enough.

The Bose audio system belts out a nice powerful clear sound that is easy to appreciate. The front seats are very snug. Lateral and lumbar support is good. I really like the location of the power seat adjustments near the center console on the top of the lower cushion. I can imagine that my level of satisfaction would turn to displeasure in the winter when I would be wearing my large winter coat.

There are a few esthetical changes for 2006. They are basically limited to a facelift, new colors and interior touch-ups.