IN very much the same way that Lexus is the executive arm of Toyota so Infiniti flies the flag as Nissan's premium automotive creation.

I've just tried the Infiniti EX 30d GT Premium model, which comes with the most positive looks of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

The past 12 months has seen Infiniti coming more to terms with the European market and the compact EX, also referred to as a Crossover in some quarters, has followed its stablemate 4x4s down the diesel road.

This 3.0-litre V6 diesel has certainly added further desirability to the EX Infiniti model and has already proved an extremely popular alternative to the original 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine which, while powerfully swift, had also proved to be decidedly thirsty.

In general, Infiniti badged cars do qualify for a high level of spec, the standard kit manifest including the likes of powered front seats, electric windows all round, electric mirrors, iPod/USB connectivity and dual zone climate control.

However, the GT Premium spec model driven here takes standard equipment levels to an even higher plane.

It has leather upholstery, heated front seats, electric panoramic sunroof, adaptive cornering headlamps, touch screen satellite navigation, Bose audio system and radar cruise control.

The there's a lane departure warning system - which automatically puts the vehicle back on track should it drift over the central white line - frontal collision alert and intelligent brake assist also add to the quality of driver safety features while powered folding rear seat backrests provide a highly practical arrangement which results in boot stowage space increasing from 340 litres to 1,175 litres at the touch of a couple of buttons.

Although you sit a little higher in the EX facing plenty of buttons on steering wheel and dash, it is perhaps not all that much roomier than your average hatchback in a passenger zone which is more four seater than five.

However, the cabin does feature a pretty classy interior which has been thoughtfully and quite beautifully put together.

The EX stands in impressively eyecatching fashion on the tarmac and with a slick switching and precise seven-speed automatic gearbox plus permanent all wheel drive to provide the required urge for some distance driving and plenty of grip for the tricky bits, it doesn't disappoint.

While the suspension set up proved a little on the firm side, although not uncompromisingly so, the EX proved pretty roll-free when performing its corner work while nicely hushed noises added further quality to the level of refinement.

The 3.0-litre V6 diesel proved pretty gutsy delivering a ride quality which proved comfortable to passengers and driver alike.

And while Infiniti's claimed 33.2mpg over the combined driving cycle may not be earth shattering it is much more acceptable than the 25mpg of its petrol stablemate. However, low 30s mpg and high emissions of 224g/km do add up to a high taxation band.

Overall, the Infiniti EX is a quite handsome, neatly put together, smart piece of kit which is well speced.