Infiniti JX

The ethos of Infiniti's new crossover utility vehicle, the JX, is made from every bits of inspiration to make a unique vehicle that appeals to North American customers who are looking for some sense of buying their next vehicle. It maybe cheaper than the FX and the QX but it's more expensive than the EX (known in Japan as the Nissan Skyline Crossover). On paper, the JX is made to compete against the Acura MDX, Lincoln MKX, and the Buick Enclave. This new crossover is all about choices to be made.

2013 Infiniti JX

In terms of design, the Infiniti JX stays true to the brand's design language that traces back to the Infiniti Essence Concept but with added elements that is suitable to the needs of a family luxury crossover. Sadly though, it looks a bit more rubbish to look at the JX's exterior that some people think it was designed by a mad ax man.

2013 Infiniti JX  interior

All is right with the interior of the Infiniti JX because behind a bonkers exterior comes with a very impressive interior design that makes the person forgive it and through it all. It looks a bit like the Infiniti M and I would stick to that. The center console of the Infiniti JX draws inspiration from Fuki-Urushi, a timeless Japanese craft of patiently applying layers of lacquer across wood grain, preserving the natural tone with masterful brushstrokes. It's very artistic especially for a car that is not made for Japan. Anyway, it accommodates up to seven passengers and it comes with a unique 2nd-row sliding and tilting seat to provide easy access to the third row seats. It's like the EZ-Tech from the Chevrolet Orlando or Captiva in many ways, I like that way. You wanna feel relaxed? Live with this; the JX comes with a Tri-Zone automatic temperature control that offers three distinct climate zones. Those from the front to back are accommodated with their own set of controls to ensure that they are cooled or warmed. Also, the JX comes with 7-inch monitors mounted behind the front seats to accommodate those from the 2nd row seats, BOSE Waveguide technology to provide the best sound experience, and the Infiniti Intelligent-View Display that rethinks the way you view and interact with your vehicle. That's very admirable.

Under the hood is a 3.5 L VQ35DE V6 engine, the engine that once powered the Nissan Elgrand. It produces 265HP of power and 248 lb-ft and torque. It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 18/24mpg for the FF model while it's 18/23mpg for the one with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. It comes with an Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Manual shift mode offers sequentially selectable manual gearshifts. Also, it comes with Infiniti Drive Mode Selector allows driver to choose between Standard, Sport, Snow or Eco modes and controls throttle responses and transmission mapping.

The JX comes with the world's first Back-Up Collision Intervention that senses crossing vehicles and objects behind the JX and, if necessary, the system can automatically engage the brakes to help avoid a collision. This is the kind of technology that Nissan suppose to add in their lineup in Japan. Numerous safety features such as Safety Shield, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention, and Intelligent Brake Assist. It also comes with an Around View Monitor that is known to be the most advanced safety feature for easier parking. NExt up is the Infiniti Connection that is part of Infiniti Total Ownership Experience, where it comes with Automatic Collision Notification, Drive Zone monitoring, Google Calendar™, and Destination Assistance via your Infiniti Personal Assistant. It's yours for the first year of ownership.

Exterior colors include Moonlight White, Liquid Platinum, Diamond Slate, Emerald Graphite, Glacial Silver, Midnight Garnet, and Black Obsidian.

My Comment:
So it's a wonderful crossover, just. It maybe the first time this Infiniti comes with a CVT, it may have an engine that powered the Nissan Elgrand, it may have an easy access to 3rd row seats just like the Orlando and the Captiva, but this one is somewhat a fantasy for the smugglers in the Philippines. Originally this car should have been produced in Japan but due to the strong Yen, this was produced in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States. This is part of Nissan's Power 88 plan, a plan where they would launch a new model every 6 weeks until 2016.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.