| First Drive | Reading, England | Infiniti EX30d |

Diesel power brings more mainstream appeal to Infiniti's enjoyable EX SUV range.

In the Metal

Sat next to its extrovert FX30d big brother the EX looks a little conservative, but view it in isolation and it's a handsome SUV. Infiniti describes it as a 'crossover coupé', which is pushing it a bit, but it's certainly more rakish in profile than the SUV norm. However, that does affect practicality, with the rear seats and boot not as spacious as other SUVs sharing the EX's footprint, but then again the Infiniti isn't likely to be bought by customers that prioritise practicality.

Inside there's a cockpit feel to the driving environment, though the driver's seat doesn't go quite low enough for us to really be sold on the crossover coupé tag. It's all nicely built - if lacking in the classy cohesion of an Audi - with plenty of buttons on the steering wheel and dash mixing with the satnav infotainment system.

What you get for your Money

Apparently most EX buyers like ticking all the options boxes so Infiniti has made it easy and offers everything on the GT Premium specification. Really, all you need to do is pick the colour, as everything else is on the standard list. There's touch-screen satnav with iPod connection and a Michelin guide pre-loaded; a lane departure warning and prevention system; cornering xenon lights; heated and electrically adjusted leather front seats; self-repairing Scratch Shield paint; and rear privacy glass. Walk into a lounge-like Infiniti showroom and it'll cost you £41,220.

Driving it

High driving position aside the EX30d feels sportier than its SUV stance and size would lead you to believe. The suspension is taut but not uncompromisingly so, the control it has meaning relatively roll free cornering. The EX rides with real composure too, while refinement - in terms of wind and tyre noise - is nicely hushed.

The steering is weighty but lifeless and the seven-speed automatic seems unnecessarily busy given the V6 turbodiesel's prodigious torque output. There's 405lb.ft on offer, giving the EX30d effortless low-rev urgency. It's worth pushing the V6 harder too, as unlike many diesels it makes a pleasingly rousing note at the upper reach of the rev-counter needle's sweep.

There are no paddle-shifters on offer, so if you want to change gears for yourself you'll need to use the stick. It's not worth the bother, as it second guesses you, beeps and lacks the smoothness it offers when left alone in Drive.

Worth Noting

The EX now comes with a clever Lane Departure Warning system that beeps should you cross white lines without indicating. Not only will it warn you, but by braking individual wheels it helps keep you from straying across them in the first place.

Summary

Infiniti's EX is a smart, well-specified and fine driving alternative to the all-too-familiar premium offerings it competes with. The badge might be little known, but the addition of a diesel engine broadens the EX's appeal massively. If you like the idea of an Audi Q5 or BMW X3, make sure you try the EX first. Especially if you like to be different.