Most luxury cars are better by the pound, but the Infiniti EX proves that small can be beautiful and luxurious.

This small crossover compares more or less with the BMW X3 and Acura RDX, but the EX looks less like a small sport utility and more like a downsized version of the larger Infiniti FX. Think of the EX as a station wagon to the G35 sedan.

But the EX, really, is nothing like a wagon to drive, and there are few entry-level luxury sedans or crossovers that have the level of sophistication, detail and luxury that is applied to the EX.

It is light on its 17-inch touring tires and alloy wheels, rolls smoothly and is well-soundproofed. The turning circle is a forgiving 34.8 feet, which is a half-foot tighter than the G35 sedan.

The 297-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 gives plenty of action, fed smoothly through a five-speed automatic with manual-shift mode. The transmission gives a sharp blip of the throttle on downshifts in manual mode.

Fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 24 highway, using 91 octane, is typical of vehicles in this size and segment.

The EX is sold in rear-or all-wheel drive and uplevel Journey models.

Pricing starts at $36,315 and goes to $37,715. Today's Journey tester was $42,565 with options.

Standard features include extras such as power moonroof with one-touch open-close, leather-trimmed upholstery in both rows, power-folding second row seat, with front and rear sonar system, which sounds an alert when objects and vehicles are near.

Also standard is the “Scratch Shield” paint, a self-healing clearcoat tt smooths over fingernail scratches and similar wear and tear.

The 2009 model, which goes on sale in the spring, will have a little more back-seat room.

Infiniti (and Nissan) continues to evolve and simplify its technology features so they support drivers without being intrusive. The Lane Departure Warning system gives a soft tone alert when the vehicle strays too near the white line. That can be a life-saver to those who spend hours in the daily commute.

LDP is part of the Technology Package ($1,950), which adds an around-view monitor and intelligent cruise control. The around-view camera gives a view as if from 10 feet above, showing the proximity of vehicles and objects on the sides and how much room front and rear. The intelligent cruise can be another helper when traveling in tight traffic, but for those who enjoy driving and controlling the car's speed, it can cause too much slowing.

Obtaining the Technology package requires buying the Premium Package ($2,150) and the Navigation Package ($2,150).

Navigation is worth it for the around-view camera, plus it adds voice recognition for temperature control, audio and directions, and there's a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive with a compact flash slot. The Premium upgrades include Bluetooth, a much-enhanced Bose audio system (including 11 speakers and featuring an iPod interface), eight-way power passenger seat, heated seats front and rear and powered, adjusting steering column.

With this heft of features, the EX test vehicle was full luxury, with no cut corners on quality, assembly or finish. It gives the everyday reward of driving a vehicle done right.

SPECS BOX

2009 Infiniti EX35

The Infiniti EX35 went on sale December 2007, but the 2009 models get some good upgrades and revised option packages, including:

RearView Monitor, leather-trimmed upholstery, rear heat and AC vents and roof rails are added as s standard equipment in the base model. Cloth interior is not available.

Journey models get a six-disc CD changer, power tilt-telescoping steering column and dual-zone automatic temperature control

2008 Infiniti EX Journey

Body style: compact, rear-wheel-drive, five-passenger crossover

Engine: aluminum, 297-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 with variable valve timing

Transmission: five-speed automatic with manual-shift mode

EPA fuel economy estimates: 17 mpg city, 24 highway; 91 octane recommded

Cargo space: 18.6 cubic feet behind back seat

Length/wheelbase: 182.3/110.2 inches

Curb weight: base model 3,752 pounds; all-wheel-drive model 3,953 pounds

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, electroluminescent gauges, tilt and telescoping steering column, automatic temperature control with microfiltration, eight-way power driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, four-way power front passenger seat, leather-wrapped three-spoke steteering wheel with cruise control and audio system controls, six-speaker audio system, CD player, fog lights, LED taillights, Infiniti controller with 7-inch display, 17-inch alloy wheels.

Safety features include: dual-stage front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front side-impact bags, side curtain bags with rollover protection; optional Lane-Departure Warning system; four-wheel disc brakes include electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and four-channel, four-wheel ABS

PRICING

Base: $36,315, including $865 freight charge; price as tested $42,565

Test vehicle options: Tech-nology Package $1,950, Premium Package $2,150, Navigation Package $2,150

COPYRIGHT 2008 THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE.

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