US looks like target market

The Infiniti M35h hybrid incorporates some intriguing technologyand represents a tempting option for city dwelling executives, butit doesn't offer enough to tempt the vast majority of us from ourdiesel cars. It's well equipped and decently finished but spaceinside is a little disappointing. Interesting, different and worthyenough, the M35h is clearly targeted across the pond.

We've come to expect some sort of technological headliner frommost Japanese hybrid cars and the Infiniti M35h is no different. Itsmost fascinating feature is the Approaching Vehicle Sound forPedestrians (VSP) which utilises a range of distinctive sounds tohelp ensure the safety of other road users.

VSP is computer controlled and links an in-car sound synthesiserwith a speaker built in to the front bumper. It automatically worksfrom start-up to 20mph, cutting back in at 17mph as the vehicleslows. It sounds somewhat like a quieter version of a jet taxiingand gets your attention without sounding harsh or intrusive.

Aside from that, the M35h gets a very punchy 303bhp 3.5-litrepetrol V6 augmented by a 67bhp electric motor, the M35h which meansa very punchy 5.6 second sprint to 60mph. The transmission is anautomatic with internal clutch pack and means that there's not theCVT gearbox whine that often accompanies hybrid cars.

The extra 120kg of weight added by the hybrid system means thatyou shouldn't expect the M35h to feel as wieldy through corners as aconventional petrol-powered M37. It's possible to drive at up to60mph on electric power alone, but you'll need to have the tactilefinesse of a bomb disposal expert with the throttle. Give it anymore than about a quarter of the pedal's travel and the petrolengine thrums smoothly into life.

The design of the Infiniti M35h appears to draw upon a number ofinfluences. There's something rather Maserati GranTurismo about thefront wheel arches and undeniably overtones of Jaguar XF around thefront grille and headlamps.

The rear end is less distinguished, tapering to a rather genericblend of Japanese and American design cues. The net result is a carthat doesn't quite hang together a cohesive package, lacking thedynamic tension of a modern European design. That said, it is quitedistinctive.

The Infiniti M35h hybrid is an impressive foray into a marketthat has yet to bloom in this country. Executive class buyers remainfirmly wedded to their diesel cars and although the Japanese companyhas clearly thrown a lot of resources at this model and pioneeredsome intriguing technical innovations, it's not a car that makes anoverwhelmingly convincing case on the balance sheet.

What you do get is a very well finished car that makes light workof city driving and offers an alternative to the 'too cool forschool' understatement of the German marques.

Ultimately this car feels exactly what it is - a car targeted atthe American market that will garner only very minority interest inthe UK. Still, as an example of what Infiniti is capable of, itbodes extremely well for when they design some more Eurocentricproducts.