The FX is a 2+2, perhaps the original competitor to the Acura ZDX before it was even available. If you know anything about the ZDX, that's essentially how Acura markets the thing. My wife and I actually did the test and boy was it tough. We drove down to the beach for a few days with the FX.
The first indicator that this is not to be considered a family vehicle is because of its diminutive trunk; we had gear for three days at the beach for two people and that's all that would fit back there. Next, legroom in the rear row is fairly tight as are head and elbow room. Two adults can squeeze in back there. Never mind three. To make matters worse, the rear door openings are insanely narrow; in the winter, forget about a clean escape!
But that's all good if it's your bag. The front seats are fine but not great; no lumbar support on the tested trim. Otherwise, front occupants are treated to a lovely dashboard, impressive materials and an appreciable degree of attention to details. The driving position is spot-on, giving the pilot the impression that he or she is behind the wheel of a sporty car. Very nice.
For the drive
This is where the FX shines especially brightly. This thing has impressive handling; the FX loves smooth tight corners like those found on the 302 that crosses the White Mountain National Forest. Steering is dialled in for performance with the right amount of weight and just enough feedback. The brakes are strong and positive. Seriously, the FX puts many so-called sport sedans to shame in this department. The sacrifice for all the grip and confidence is that uneven road surfaces do filter into the cabin.
Nissan and Infiniti are famous for their V6 engines. Nowhere is this recognition more deserved that for their 3.5L V6 that not only make 303 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque but makes a V8 pointless! Grunt, go and motivation are nothing short of surprising.
However good the V6 may be, it would be quite useless without the excellent 7-speed automatic slushbox that is standard fare. This is the other difference-maker; it's quick and sharp like a fox and always willing to hold a gear, or to drop two or even three if you mash on the throttle hard enough. Not only that, but it manages to sustain reasonable fuel numbers. I averaged 13 L/100 km over a distance of 2,250 km. My mixed driving conditions included mountains, city, traffic, highways, country roads and lots of put-putting around in Ocean Park, ME for those three days.
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| Front occupants are treated to a lovely dashboard, impressive materials and an appreciable degree of attention to details. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
The first indicator that this is not to be considered a family vehicle is because of its diminutive trunk; we had gear for three days at the beach for two people and that's all that would fit back there. Next, legroom in the rear row is fairly tight as are head and elbow room. Two adults can squeeze in back there. Never mind three. To make matters worse, the rear door openings are insanely narrow; in the winter, forget about a clean escape!
But that's all good if it's your bag. The front seats are fine but not great; no lumbar support on the tested trim. Otherwise, front occupants are treated to a lovely dashboard, impressive materials and an appreciable degree of attention to details. The driving position is spot-on, giving the pilot the impression that he or she is behind the wheel of a sporty car. Very nice.
For the drive
This is where the FX shines especially brightly. This thing has impressive handling; the FX loves smooth tight corners like those found on the 302 that crosses the White Mountain National Forest. Steering is dialled in for performance with the right amount of weight and just enough feedback. The brakes are strong and positive. Seriously, the FX puts many so-called sport sedans to shame in this department. The sacrifice for all the grip and confidence is that uneven road surfaces do filter into the cabin.
Nissan and Infiniti are famous for their V6 engines. Nowhere is this recognition more deserved that for their 3.5L V6 that not only make 303 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque but makes a V8 pointless! Grunt, go and motivation are nothing short of surprising.
However good the V6 may be, it would be quite useless without the excellent 7-speed automatic slushbox that is standard fare. This is the other difference-maker; it's quick and sharp like a fox and always willing to hold a gear, or to drop two or even three if you mash on the throttle hard enough. Not only that, but it manages to sustain reasonable fuel numbers. I averaged 13 L/100 km over a distance of 2,250 km. My mixed driving conditions included mountains, city, traffic, highways, country roads and lots of put-putting around in Ocean Park, ME for those three days.
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| The 3.5L V6 that make 303 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque makes a V8 pointless! (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |