When Infiniti introduced the JX35 Crossover earlier this year, it had the Audi Q7 as well as family men, and moms, in mind. Whether (or not) you get a kick out of the design or the drive, it stuns with sophistication and a surprising price
The Design
Whether the Infiniti JX35 makes waves with its involved design, “the wave makes designs” in this car. From the hood lines to the signature double-arch grille and the crescent shaped D pillar, looks like the design team took their job too seriously in trying to cast an impression. No issues, there. Just that simplicity and size do exhibit a directly proportionally relationship in matters of design appeal.In the new Infiniti JX35, Nissan and Infiniti have yet again made sure that the CVT is a useable transmission technology – even enjoyable in a certain way. Except in the Eco mode, where the resistance builds a wall between you and the accelerator pedal and the CVT drone is made self-evident without making much progress. So, after saving a bit of fuel to make up for the rest of the drive, I quickly shifted to, and stayed on, Standard or Sports mode, with which the 3.5 L engine could be pleasurably coaxed to deliver enough power to make its presence felt on the road. And, it sounds just as good as a V6 should.
Family Drive
The JX is for the family – for what other reason could anyone buy over two tons of bulk and dubious design? As for families, reasons abound to go for Infiniti’s new crossover. Right from the class-leading legroom in both the back rows to the ingenious practicality of folding the second row – without having to remove the baby seat! Plenty of headroom and a wide-open feeling make sure that seven isn’t a crowd in the JX.However, none of the SUVs in the class seem to have knee support in mind for the rear passengers: which is a pity with the JX, because it can afford the space. Another thing I don’t get is the way the foldable centre backrest (or armrest support) juts out in the second row – making it challenging for anyone to just lean back and enjoy the view ahead!
