Car Statistics: Infiniti - FX Series 01 (4 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

OK, it is a big 'stuff-you' SUV, but it's a more subtle piece of design than most of its rivals like the ugly Q7 and Cayenne or the amusingly absurd X6. There are sports car hints like the way the sides of the bonnet sweep upwards to meet the front wings, but they are mild enough not to look ridiculous.

Handling (4 stars)

Certainly better than you would expect, as the FX turns in with real sharpness and will even handle quick S-bends without making passengers feel queasy. Not quite equal to a Cayenne or X6, but the fact that it can be mentioned in the same breath is an achievement. Range Rover Sport owners will be impressed.

Comfort (5 stars)

Given the handling and the 21-inch wheels, Infiniti has done a good job on the ride - apparently it has been heavily retuned for our roads at the Nissan Technical Centre in Cranfield. On rough roads, there a hint of the stiff-legged ride that huge wheels normally cause, but you have to be looking out for it.

Quality (5 stars)

It is a Japanese premium brand that has been on sale in the USA since 1989. It is hard to imagine anything going wrong - and if it does, the dealers won't be quibbling about getting it fixed.

Performance (4 stars)

Four stars for the V6 and five for the V8. Given the nature of the car, you might as well buy the V8. The V6 is going to do almost as much damage both to your wallet and the environment.

Roominess (4 stars)

This is not meant to be an SUV that can double as an MPV in the style of the Volvo XC90. It is big enough to fit five comfortably, but that is your lot.

Costs (3 stars)

The only figure that will matter here is depreciation. Infiniti says it is only aiming for sales in the hundreds in the first year and a gradual increase thereafter. If that promise is kept, depreciation should be no worse, and possibly better, than its main rivals.

Value (4 stars)

Packed with equipment and well made, Infiniti represents strong value for money compared with rivals in this segment.

Stereo (4 stars)

Again, it is Japanese and premium. They are hardly going to mess up the entertainment system, especially with Nissan's strong track record in sat-nav.