Video: Driving Northwest: The Infiniti EX35

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Cars aren't just transportation, they're also image and fashion statements. Crass but largely true. Would you be willing to drive a Pontiac Aztek for a year? I rest my case, though doing so means I will be dealing with e-mail from rabid Aztek owners for weeks. These days hulking SUVs are the automotive equivalent of the '70s leisure suit. If you're a hip happening Hollister shopper of today then you'll be looking at a smaller crossover vehicle. Infiniti's EX35 has hit the market at the right time.   

Hold on though. While EX35 does have a crossover vibe about it, it feels more like a hatchback or wagon version of Infiniti's own G35 sedan. EX rides on the same chassis as the G. The crossover, wagon, hatch thingy version is 4.7 inches longer and taller but frankly it doesn't look much larger than the sedan. Cross shop it and you'll be looking at a BMW X3 or Acura RDX. EX starts at $35,665 with destination. I'm driving a well equipped rear-wheel drive Journey model that stickers for $41,215. 

Not that there's anything wrong with that …

I drag that Seinfeld line out to counter the sneering attitude that the automotive fashionista has toward hatchbacks and wagons. Get over it. They're more useful than sedans when making that big run to the dry cleaner. Besides, the EX35 is a good looking piece of transportation. In my week with it, women seem to be the most interested. The lines carve, curve and swerve into an interesting and balanced form that's more Isaac Mizrahi than Calvin Klein.

Choose between rear and all-wheel drive. The oomph comes from a smooth 3.5-liter 297 horse V6. The only engine available is connected to the only transmission offered, a 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode. 

Leave the fob in pocket or purse because there is no key. EX has keyless ignition so starting it takes just a simple button push. To lock this rig you can simply tap on a button found on exterior door handles. There's even one on the trunk lid. Thank you Infiniti.

To Infiniti and beyond

Infiniti's G35 is great fun to drive and EX35 is cut from the same cloth. Weighing only 250 pounds more than the sedan, it remains pretty darn athletic. 0-60 times come in at around 6.5 seconds so it will beat the RDX and X3 in a race to the Nordstrom Half Yearly sale, though that's not a responsible thing to do is it? The V6 feels eager as it pulls strongly to its 6,800 redline. 

Overall the EX is quiet with a polished ride quality that never feels harsh. That doesn't mean it handles like a wet sock. Even with its comfortable suspension and a ride height 1.2 inch higher than brother G, EX35 is fun to toss into a corner. It's nimble and light on its feet. Hit a corner hard and the electronic stability control feathers in smoothly. Rounding out the great driving dynamics are terrific anti-lock brakes that stop quicker than Imelda Marcos spying a shoe store.

Have a seat

All this driving fun is done in a nicely trimmed cabin. The heated leather seats are very comfortable. All the popular luxury stuff is here from a power tilt/telescope steering wheel right down to the oval Infiniti clock. EX35 is iPod friendly with a dedicated interface, plus there's standard XM radio. Plug in a Compact Flash memory card and load the on-board 9.3 gig hard drive full of runway music (this feature comes with the Navigation Package). What ever you listen to, the Bose sound system is terrific.  

Infiniti's user interface that puts you in control of the sat nav system, sound system, phone controls and more is easy to use. No need to consult the manual to pair my Bluetooth phone to the handsfree system.  Many of the commands are activated by both the menu buttons and screen touches, you chose which you like best. The rear mounted camera that's displayed in the screen gets parking assist graphics that are helpful.

Fun for the whole clan?

Thinking about pressing the EX into family use? Well, keep in mind the back seat is not overly large. There's just enough knee, foot and headroom for an average sized guy like me. A center passenger will be snug and has to deal with a raised drive shaft tunnel. That said, my two kids who are both around 5 feet say they're OK in this space. There's a folding center armrest that drops down and map pockets on each seat back. No separate climate control for the rear though.   

Other gripes? Brightly lighted gauges look the same day or night. They look good but it can fool a driver into thinking headlights are on at night, not that it (ahem) ever happened to me. Keep the steerable xenon headlight in the "auto" position. Good thing gas is dropping in price. My average is 18 miles to the gallon using premium.

Car go? Yes. Cargo? Not so much.

People buy these kinds of vehicles because they're practical and with its large hatch the EX trunk is certainly more useful than the G sedan. It's not very large though. The stylish forward rake of the rear glass holds the cargo area to 5 packs of Kirkland brand bath tissue. BMW X3 easily handles 8, the RDX test was called on account of rain but 8 seems doable (Costco lets me borrow this stuff, water and TP don't mix well). The rear seats don't simply split and fold, the motorized seat backs can be controlled from the trunk or up front.

Teching it to the streets

There's some high technology available on the EX35 that's not on my tester. Lane Departure Prevention system will warn a driver that veers out of his or her lane. Remember, drowsy driving is nearly as bad as driving drunk. 

Around View Monitor enhances the rear mounted camera with three more for a 360 degree view. The resulting screen image looks as if it's taken from a helicopter hovering right above the car. No chopper is used though, it would be problematic in parking garages.

Preview Braking uses the lasers from the intelligent cruise control to sense if the car ahead is coming up too fast. If so it pre-pressurizes the brakes so they bite the moment foot hits pedal.

Go your own way

Summing up, the EX is refined, practical and a hoot to drive. With its smaller rear dimensions it seems designed more for single people or couples with no kids. For those who like the G35 sedan or coupe but need something more useful, the EX does a commendable job of keeping that fun to drive feeling. Is it a crossover? A wagon? A hatchback? Frankly it doesn't matter. It's confident in its unique style. Those not hung up on categories will enjoy Infiniti's EX35 on its own terms.