By on 2010-08-14 -
Infiniti G37S Saloon
DESPITE the parlous state of the UK economy there never seems to be any shortage of luxury cars.
The latest member of this particular motoring club is the Infiniti and while the name may be unfamiliar, this is not a new car maker, rather a relative of a popular manufacturer we all know well, namely Nissan.
In fact, the model situation from Infiniti is very much akin to the Lexus/Toyota luxury/everyday cars link up so Infiniti models are very much purveyors of performance excellence and style in pursuit of high positions in a market sector currently filled by the likes of the German trio, Mercedes, BMW and Audi.
I recently tried the Infiniti G37S, a four-door sports saloon which comes boasting quite striking outward and visible lines. The long bonnet and wheelbase merge with short overhangs to deliver a classic silhouette featuring more than a hint of the coupe genre.
A double arch grille, complete with a twisted horizontal blades badge inspired by traditional Japanese crossed swords, is flanked by L-shaped headlights.
All of these combine well to help deliver a distinctive face for the marque while an attractive wrap-around LED tail light set up also adds to the overall attraction of the Infiniti brand.
In addition, the designers have succeeded in creating an interior with both driver and passenger appeal being satisfied with the use of the type of good quality materials expected from a premium car maker.
The cockpit itself shows off acoutrements which state firmly "this is a driver's car" as you sit comfortably supported in leather clad seats facing a neatly laid out dashboard.
On the downside the centre console may perhaps be considered a little too busy with a number of look alike buttons to contend with.
And, despite the increased statistics provided by the longer wheelbase designed to translate into more rear seat room, the transmission tunnel does impinge somewhat on overall passenger rear seat comfort.
While not exactly cavernous, the boot does provide in excess of 400 litres of luggage space and the car's big doors, which close with that imposingly imperious thunk of quality, do make getting in and out an easy operation.
Standard kit also adds to G37's overall value with the likes of "self-healing" Scratch Shield Paint, front and rear parking sensors, climate control, power windows all round and door mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, seven-speaker sound system with six CD changer and MP3 compatibility in the manifest.
There is no optional safety equipment, meaning all airbags are present and correct while driver safety aids coming as standard include firm ABS braking and an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
The refined 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine paired with a smooth switching seven-speed auto box is never going to win prizes for its frugality. So it's worth remembering that while under six seconds from nought to 60mph will suit the seasoned driver, 26.9mpg in average driving conditions and a high CO2 emissions level at 246g/km does mean paying top whack for road and company car tax.
Although a ride somewhat on the firmish side does bend towards more sports car performance than the refinement of pure luxury executive class, the rear wheel drive G37 does handle well. There is good grip producing some very strong corner work for the driving enthusiast to enjoy.
Quite a handsome looker, the G37 is excellent value for money and does make an interesting Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series alternative.
Along with its distribution partner Rymco UK, Infiniti has just opened an outlet in London's West End with the exclusive address of 77 Piccadilly.
Infiniti G37S Saloon
Price: £34,235
Mechanical: 316bhp, 3,696cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 7-speed automatic gearbox
Max Speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.9 seconds
Combined MPG: 26.9
Insurance Group: 19
C02 emissions: 246g/km
Bik rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
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