so my G37S is at the dealer for a few warranty concerns (i never take it there for anything else) and i've been given an EX35 as the loaner car. i'm looking at 2-3 days, and not looking forward to it. no offense to anyone out there with an EX, but i am not a fan. here's a little rant:

- i just checked the Infiniti website, and configured with the Journey package this thing stickers at just under $46k. no premium, nav or tech package. that's far too pricey for a vehicle like this with very few options. it doesn't even have HID headlights! i couldn't believe it when i turned them on, only to find halogens were it!

- i've never liked wood accents, and this EX goes to show why: i see 3 different colours! the dash is one colour, door armrest is darker, and door panel near latch is yet another shade. completely different appearances! if this is intentional then i must know nothing about interior design. also, since this is a Journey model, there are numerous missing switches with just a plastic blank piece. very sparse looking.

- the size of the EX is very odd. it is shorter and has less rear legroom than my G37, and has way less trunk space. you'd have to fold down the rear seats to fit golf clubs back there, certainly for 2 bags. my wife's CRV has far more cargo capacity, although it's not quite as "luxurious".

- if the EX cost a lot less than the G i might be able to understand the market, but it's not! with the G37/25X, and FX/JX/QX in the lineup, the EX seems to be obselete. i don't know what Infiniti's plans are, but i predict either a change or it gets dropped from the model line. i was at the Vancouver Auto show recently and i can't understand why Infiniti needs 4 SUV/CUV-type vehicles anyways.

- the slushbox reminds me why i exclusively drive manuals. even in DS mode, i find the gear hunting and slow downshift response unacceptable. couple all that with a jerky throttle tip-in and the driving experience is not pleasant. even my wife, who is not a car person (remember, CRV - 5spd manual of course), remarked on the herky-jerky characteristics. in DS it still wants to engage the torque converter too soon, making it feel bogged down and sluggish.

- fuel economy. after 1.5 days i'm at 15mpg city. my G37 gets 20mpg consistently. same driving style. not good.

- styling. completely subjective, but not for me either. looks really soft and wimpy. the CRV looks like a monster truck next to it.

the good news? at least it fits in my garage and it is a free loaner. i am a fan of my G, but the EX leaves a lot to be desired. just my $0.02. i'm not paying anything so i can't complain, these are just my thoughts on the car...

 

wow are you paying for that loaner?

 

the loaner is complementary, which is nice. so i cannot complain about having to pay for it. and i don't intend to complain about the EX - i'm only giving my unimpressed review. different strokes for different folks, and the EX just isn't for me. i suppose whoever is interested in the EX would not appreciate my G37S 6MT sedan.