Infiniti FX30d S Premium

What is it?

The FX accounts for more than half of the 3000 or so Infinitis sold in Europe so far.

That could be a case for placing it at the head of the queue to get Infiniti’s new diesel engine, or a reason to push it to the back, because it needs less help.

In the UK, Infiniti has called it straight down the middle and launched the FX30d alongside the EX30d, with an identical engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive system.

See the test pics of the Infiniti FX30d S Premium

What’s it like?

The one factor, apart from size, that distinguishes these two models is that you can get the FX with four-wheel steering (standard on the S), which makes it feel much smaller and more chuckable than its more compact sibling.

Infiniti quotes 31.4mpg (and 238g/km of CO2) and we achieved just under 30mpg on some quick cross-country routes.

Premium spec also now brings a lane change warning system that first beeps, then brakes the wheels on one side, if you let the vehicle drift into the adjacent lane.

It works well, but if you think drivers should be able to keep their cars within a straight motorway lane without external assistance, you’ll be relieved to know the system remains disabled unless you activate it.

Should I buy one?

This new diesel unit is a welcome addition to the FX range and should help attract buyers who already ‘get’ Infiniti’s most distinctive model.

But take into account the diesel Cayenne’s 195g/km of CO2 and similar price (or the far cheaper VW Touareg, tested on p56) and you’ll have to be keen on the toys and outrageous looks to go for the FX, whose original, high-revving petrol V8 is truer to its sporting character and still retains considerable appeal.

Ed Keohane

Infiniti FX30d S Premium

Price: £51,730; Top speed: 132mph; 0-62mph: 8.3sec; Economy: 31.4mpg (combined); CO2: 238g/km; Engine: V6, 2993cc, turbodiesel; Power: 235bhp at 3750rpm; Torque: 406lb ft at 1750rpm; Gearbox: 7-spd automatic