Infiniti is a Japanese premium brand that launched in the UK in 2009. As Toyota has Lexus as its luxury car brand, so Nissan has Infiniti which began in North America, but in its global march for growth has now reached our shores.

The EX looks like a compact 4x4 in the mould of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 but Infiniti hopes it will be chosen by people who have been used to coupés like the Audi TT and BMW 3-Series, but want to change into something more practical.

Therefore, despite its slightly raised stance, the EX has no off-road ability, and, Infiniti suggests, retains all the driver appeal of an upmarket coupé.

For now the EX is offered only with a 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine — with 320bhp it's the same as found in the Nissan 370Z — although a V6 diesel (a version of the one available in the Renault LagunaCoupé) will be added to the range in summer 2010.

In launching the brand — which also includes a larger 4x4 rivalling the BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne, and a BMW 3-Series sized saloon, coupé and convertible — Infiniti has chosen to emphasise the performance credentials before a diesel engine becomes available.

The EX37 comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission and will reach 62mph from rest in 6.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 149mph.

Its four-wheel drive system has a rear bias under normal conditions, although on slippery surfaces torque can be split evenly between the front and rear axles.

The standard EX is very well equipped with cruise control, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, electrically adjustable front seats, cornering headlights, Bluetooth, an iPod/USB connection, voice recognition plus front and rear parking sensors.

The GT version comes with leather seats and extra electrical adjustment and heating in the front, as well as an electrically adjustable steering column. Key options include Connectiviti+ navigation and rear-view camera, Around View Monitor (only available with Connectiviti+), Bose premium audio system and an electric sunroof.

The seat-height position in the Infiniti EX is about the same as in a Nissan Qashqai, so it offers a good view of the road ahead, without towering over other cars.

Rear visibility isn't great when parking, but the EX is available with rear-view camera parking aids, and the useful Around View Monitor.

If you decide to choose a new EX you will be buying into Infiniti's 'Total Ownership Experience'. Every owner is assigned their own customer account manager as a single point of contact throughout their time with their car.

When it comes to servicing, owners are entitled to free pick up and delivery within 150 miles of the Infiniti centre. There is also a 'total mobility package' of roadside assistance focusing on the owner rather than the car.

Infiniti owners breaking down in another car, regardless of make, can contact Infiniti to ensure they are not left stranded. The cars are not cheap, but comparing specification with alternatives shows them to be good value.

The brand was launched with a single sales centre in Reading, with others to follow in 2010, although they will be concentrated in or near the main cities in the UK.

Although the network is small, the EX and the rest of the Infiniti range will be more exclusive choices than other premium cars, and the class leading customer service will also have strong appeal.

A centre is expected to open in Birmingham in 2010 and additional outlets in Bristol and Stockport are planned in 2011.

By Simon Harris