The Japanese designed and built EX is based on the automaker’s FM (Front Mid-ship) platform shared with the much-hullabalooed G35/G37 sedan/coupe, meaning there’s no off-road aspirations here, just real road manners bred in its genes.

Infiniti reps call the EX “a crossover (there’s that word again!) born of a coupe design” and say they’ve intentionally kept its height down for a more car-like feel than SUV-ish competitors like the BMW X3 and Acura RDX. Its wheelbase is just 5 cm shorter than the G sedan’s, length is down only 12 cm and height is up just 15. Combine that with a common V6 and the ATTESA all-wheel drive system and the hush-hush hatch theory beings to play out.

Infiniti says the EX fills a gap between the G family and the brazen FX. It figures there’s a niche for a vehicle with more utility and elegance than the sedan/coupe couple and a little less girth and garishness than the rakish SUV.

The only physical change to the FM platform is the rear multilink suspension, which sees some components moved outward to open up cargo space. The front double-wishbone setup is unchanged, though the EX dials down its dampers for more coddling that corning prowess. 

We know it’s a tired cliché, but the EX does look like the upshot of a tryst between the G and FX. It’s all sedan from the nose to the A-pillar, before taking on the swooping greenhouse of the sport-ute rearward. Meaty 225/60R17 tires are standard, with 225/55R18’s optional.

The fourth-generation 3.5-litre VQ V6 under hood delivers 297 horses at 6,800 rpm and 253 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The only gearbox is a five-speed auto with a clever manual mode, which matches engine revs on downshifts.

Being slightly taller and sprung less aggressively, the EX won’t corner as assertively as its G brethren, but hints of sportitude remain. The exhaust note is muted, the speed-sensitive steering is pleasantly communicative and Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system is dialed in enough for occasional feisty corning without drama. Four-wheel discs are standard, along with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist, along with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).

Infiniti figures EX buyers are more interested in technology than overt sportiness so it’s introduced three technologies on the crossov…oops, hatch. The Industry-first Around View Monitor (AVM) gives the driver a “top-down view” of the outside of their vehicle on the nav screen, courtesy of four exterior cameras. Second is Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), an evolution of the automaker’s existing system, which now gently applies the brakes to “nudge” the vehicle back into line. Third is the North American debut of the “self-healing” Scratch Shield paint, with an elastic resin clearcoat that actually erases scuffs and scratches.

Though we agree with Infiniti that the EX is a “right size,” vehicle, its interior could be tight for a gaggle of six-footers, especially in the back seat. Thankfully, it’s probably the best cabin the automaker has crafted thus far in terms of materials, quietness and creature comforts — engineers even pressurized the vehicle during R&D to ensure little sound leaked in. Highlights include: a hand-stitched leather wheel; wood, alloy or black lacquer trim; a standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition; and four interior colour choices inspired by the seasons — wheat, stone, chestnut, graphite. The hatchback EX beats the G’s cargo capacity by 91 L — and its 60/40 rear seat folds down too.

At press time EX pricing was not available, though it will start in the mid-40s. Two models will be offered, the base Luxury and the Journey, which adds features like a moonroof, power-folding rear seats and sonar parking sensors.

Four option packages will be offered: a Premium package which adds equipment like a Bose stereo, 18-inch alloys and Bluetooth connectivity; a Navigation Package, including a 9.3 GB music hard drive and rear view camera; a Technology Package with the AVM, LDP and intelligent cruise control; and finally a Premium leather option with stitched hide on the gauge hood, doors, console, etc.

No word on the availability of optional “G35 Hatchback” badging…

Quick Shift