Infinite possibilities with Nissan

DESMOND LESETEDI
Correspondant | Friday June 7, 2013 00:00

But then again, most people in Botswana have not had a chance to be up close and personal with the brand Infiniti. That is a crying shame because Infiniti is a world class brand that sees soaring successes elsewhere in the world.

Here then is an interesting concept that works. Certain worldly brands like Toyota and BMW for example are players that have found it good to diversify their burgeoning portfolios and have a unique way of approaching customers while remaining rather anonymous about such dealings. Toyota goes to high society parties wearing the Lexus tuxedo while BMW does the same with a Rolls Royce frock on.

Now Nissan being the giant it is also has its formal wear when it ventures into the high streets. And this it does very well without any hurdles whatsoever. Welcome then to Infiniti, Nissan's uber luxury arm that caters for the needs of the discerning individual. 

This is Nissan's answer to the cries of those who want luxury but are sick and tired of the same brands that are always parked out front at the office park. It is a resounding Amen to everyone who doesn't like being mainstream and to be associated with clichd luxury brands.

But is it worth a second look? If you are asking such a question, then you are either seriously uninformed or edging closer to finding the Holy Grail. This is a double-edged sword that can even cut the wieldier in that we all know that Nissan makes cars that will not break down at the drop of a coin.

Reliability is at the top of their score sheet and as such quality will not be an issue with their upmarket Infiniti's.Nissan already makes good cars that we are all familiar with and can easily identify with. Theirs are not cars that customers of the brand will be found moaning and sour-lipped about.

Now take that impressive CV and add to it a class above worthy of the best contenders' class and you are left with a foolproof strategy that only deserves to win. If you, Joe Normal, were looking to buy a very reliable car, one that has all the reputable backings of a brand like Nissan but wasn't exactly interested in buying into Nissan, then you would be better advised to look at Infiniti.

Previously if you wanted the privilege of owning such a brand, you'd have to go through a process of importing the vehicle and facing the rather nasty business of shipping and clearance, which on its own can bring a grown man to tears. So then Nissan Broadhurst Motors has decided that it was about time it brought its best offerings closer to home.

A sample of their luxury is in the form of Infiniti FX37S. The FX37S is well known in western markets and dances in the arena with very accomplished sparring partners in the form of the usual 'luxury premium' suspects who have their roots firmly planted in Germany. It is a big car as most luxury vehicles are - a la Range Rover Sport, Mercedes Benz ML-class and Audi Q6.  Now you have an idea which cars this is aimed at, and which target group it intends to hit.  There is a seriousness of purpose with this vehicle. You get the idea that it was made by people who love making cars and who know what they want in their cars.

It has all the toys and gadgets that you can wish for; heated this and cooled that, reverse camera and parking sensors, leather wrapped dashboard and wood panelled bits and pieces. You would think twice about having a meal in one of these. In the right options, I find it doubtful that Jane Public will complain about anything in here.

To be honest, one needs to take a closer look at that which is being offered here and see it as a worthy adversary to the mainstream. Broadhurst Motors has opened its doors for public viewing and will address all of your questions should you have any, including a test drive to silence the nay-sayers and possibly turn around the doubting Thomas. 

It is a very handsome car that arrests the eyes with its organic shapes and long bonnet that gently swoops downwards to the slim and squinting shaped headlights. It sits on 20 inch wheels and has two fat chrome accentuated exhaust tips that could swallow a tennis ball and a couple of chrome trimmed air outlets just behind the front wheels; a very sporty stance that looks fast even while standing still.

As its name suggests, this car's engine is closely related to the 3.7 V6 that does duty in the aggressive Nissan 370Z sports car, so then the Infiniti has inherited some of that aggressiveness. For the model range you can choose either from a 5.0 litre V8, a 3.0 diesel and the 3.5 V6 petrol. This is a car that is clearly targeted for individuals that are not interested in something mainstream; the kind of drive that doesn't want to look out their office window and see a similar vehicle parked close by, the wand exclusivity and the FX promises just that.

Exterior dimensionsOverall length (inches): 191.3Overall Width     (inches):  75.9Overall Height with Roof Racks (inches): 66.1Wheelbase (inches): 113.6Front track width (inches): 64.4Rear track width (inches): 64.6Coefficient of drag (Cod): 0.35Standard FeaturesInfiniti Intelligent KeyBluetooth(r) hands-free phone systemLeather seats60/40-spiltfolding and reclining rear seat with fold-down centre armrestCarpeted trunk and cargo area Leather-wrapped gearshift knob Driver and passenger seat back pockets Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and sliding extensions

DrivetrainEngine 3.7-liter 24-valve V-6 Horsepower 325 @ 7,000 rpm Torque (pound-feet) 267 @ 5,200 rpmPerformance Figures0-100 km/hr in 7 seconds for the FX370-100 km/hr in 6 seconds for the FX50