Nissan's luxury arm Infiniti may be a little-known brand in the UK, but the car cognoscenti will be familiar with the marque. It has been successful in the US since 1989, and has rolled out in the UK with, among others, this handsome EX luxury compact crossover SUV to lure the inquisitive.
Initially the EX was only available with a thirsty 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine, but a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 developed from a Renault unit joined the UK line-up under the bonnet of the EX30d in 2010.
The EX is the biggest-selling Infiniti in the UK and its size, shape and price put it closest to cars such as the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Infiniti has, however, tried to give the EX more focused performance and handling than any class rival. The distinctive coupé styling also differentiates it from more conventional 4x4s.