Infiniti EX37

SPECIFICATIONS

1. A larger 3.7L V6 for 2013 now delivers 325 hp and to 267 lb-ft of torque. 2. Fuel economy rated at 17/25 mpg (city/hwy) for RWD model, or 17/24 mpg for the AWD. 3. Pricing starts at $37,895 but climbs to $51,645 for a well-equipped AWD “Journey” model.

PREVIEW

Don’t think of the EX37 as a premium compact crossover. Instead, think of it as a hatchback version of the G37 sedan… on stilts. After all, it rides on the same platform and uses the same V6.

For 2013, the EX moves from the 3.5-liter to the 3.7-liter V6, hence the name change from “35” to “37.” That also means the car jumps from having 297 to 325 hp along with a 14 lb-ft bump in torque to 267.

Remarkably, the increased engine displacement and output don’t increase fuel consumption. Instead, the rear-wheel drive model actually gains one mpg on the highway – though the numbers are well short of segment leaders. EPA figures for the rear-wheel drive model come in at 17/25 mpg city/highway while the all-wheel drive dips to 17/24.

People buy crossovers for a variety of reasons and practicality is often near the top of that list. That’s not true of Infiniti’s EX small crossover – at least not next to similarly priced products.

EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR

The brand’s bulbous design borders on baby beluga territory with the much larger QX, but the EX avoids all that. Instead, a sloping hood and roofline leave it looking clean and stylish – something BMW bungled with the X1. Infiniti has curvaceous appeal down to a science and the EX37’s size plays perfectly into that hand.

Truth be told, there’s almost nothing to complain about with the EX37’s exterior except for the fact that it doesn’t take any chances – perhaps due to the fact that it’s been on the market for half a decade.

Pleasing aesthetics abound in the cabin as well. Take your pick of the buttons, shift lever or aluminum navigation wheel found in so many other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Once again, the design stays well within familiar territory, but in this case it’s hard to criticize the decision.

In fact, if you’re a fan of the eight-button infotainment control system mounted on a rotating bezel, now might be the time to buy. Or if not in the 2013 model year then very soon.

Those familiar with the brand will find Infiniti DNA in spades, with the same seats, buttons as any other of the premium brand’s products.The Q50 – heir to G37 throne — goes on sale this summer without that system and it’s only a matter of time until the that equipment spreads to the QX50 (the new name of the EX37).

Curvaceous front seats that are a joy to sit in are surrounded by aluminum and soft touch trim. All the knobs and buttons deliver satisfying feedback with just enough resistance to remind you that this is a luxury product. An available Bose sound system with two sub woofers delivers rich bass and maintains a clear sound, even at high volume.

UNDER THE HOOD

It’s funny how expectations can change based on which car you’re driving. The EX37 shares its powertrain with the G37 Coupe. Saddled with the sportier, smaller car, it’s a bit disappointing. The seven-speed automatic transmission feels pokey when you ask for snappy downshifts and power is good but not great – or at least that’s true of the $60,000 IPL convertible model we tested recently.

Slap that same system in a small crossover, and it’s remarkable how quickly that story changes. It’s fun to drive the EX37. Period.

Floor the gas and you’ll get a deliciously tuned exhaust note chortling from the tailpipes. The car surges forward with the sort of comfortable, linear acceleration so many crossovers lack. With a 0-60 sprint in 5.7 seconds this isn’t a rocket, but it’s also pretty damn quick.

Nissan’s AroundView monitor system is also available and takes parallel parking from guesswork to an entertaining game. You really shouldn’t need a bird’s eye view of any car to park, but its handy – especially in tight city parking spaces.