Infiniti refreshes Australia-bound FX

INFINITI has released details of the facelifted FX mid-sized luxury SUV that will join the brand’s inaugural model line-up when it relaunches in Australia next September.

Nissan’s luxury brand has provided the FX with the distinctive ‘pinched’ grille design that was first seen on the Essence and Etherea concepts and will also grace the forthcoming JX seven-seat SUV.

Exterior cosmetic changes alongside the four-bar grille include a silver finish for the foglights and redesigned 20-inch wheels, while the interior instrument cluster also gets an update.

Infiniti Cars Australia general manager Kevin Snell told GoAuto the FX models that will be released here in about a year are likely to mirror these changes.

“I can confirm that when we launch Infiniti next year the iconic FX luxury crossover will have refreshed styling most likely reflecting this aggressive new front grille and fascia,” he said.

“(But) our product cycles and spec details are different to the US and we know that FX buyers around the world cite its design as a key reason for purchase, so we will monitor the reaction before final confirmation.”

The Lexus RX-targeting Infiniti FX crossover wagon will be sold here with three engine options, including two Euro 5 emissions-compliant petrol engines – a 247kW 3.7-litre DOHC V6 and a 290kW 5.0-litre V8.

The 175kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine in the FXD, provided by Nissan’s industrial partner Renault, will also join the range. All engines are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Mr Snell confirmed that plans remain in place to introduce all three engine variants in Australia, but withheld details on other details such as whether both rear- and all-wheel drive variants will be available, as is the case in the UK.

“Final specification, trim levels and option packages are not yet confirmed, however, expect them to be more aligned to Europe and UK right-hand drive specifications rather than the US,” he said.

Nissan Australia will relaunch its luxury brand here in in the third quarter of next year with a three-model line-up including the FX, the G-series coupe and convertible, and the large M sedan.

Possible later additions to the range should include the larger JX crossover, which will make its global debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18.

Other potential additions down the track include the next-generation Lexus IS-rivalling G sedan, the EX compact SUV and, perhaps, a small hatchback as previewed by the Etherea at Geneva earlier this year.