Cars.com Podcast: Two Hatches, One Podcast

This week, Cars.com editors Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and Joe Wiesenfelder examine two cars with a rear hatch that haven’t taken the auto world by storm. Find out why the new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and the 2009 Infiniti EX35 haven’t warmed the hearts of our staff.

You can download the podcast via iTunes here or listen to it in your browser here.

2010|Mitsubishi|Lancer

2009|Infiniti|EX

Yes, There is a Use for Infiniti's Around View Monitor

When it first debuted I thought Infiniti’s Around View Monitor was a good idea, especially for my tight parking space off of a Chicago alley. However, for the typical suburbanite with a garage I figured it would be a bit useless. I recently moved to the suburbs — two-car garage and everything — and now I have a really narrow driveway. It is so narrow that the wife and I have driven off it on occasion. Now I know that the Around View Monitor has its place in the burbs, too.

Our driveway navigation skills are improving, but driving the 2009 Infiniti EX35 for a night reminded me just how good the Around View Monitor can be. The mix of overhead and front camera angles with the proximity alert got me to and from my garage without even looking up from the LCD screen.

On the 2010 model, the monitor is part of the $2,150 option package, which is not a small amount of money. But at least it’s part of a more popular package than the $2,250 Technology Package. which includes a lane departure warning, forward collision warning systems and other safety features many drivers may not want.

2009|Infiniti|EX35

2010 Infiniti EX35 Prices Unchanged, More Content

Infiniti’s model year continues to roll over for 2010 with the new EX35 on sale today. Prices remain unchanged from the 2009 model — starting at $33,800 — but there are some additions to standard and optional content. While we find the EX’s interior to be a bit cramped, it’s an upscale, capable vehicle that’s always seemed like a bargain in the segment. However, the EX35 hasn’t proven a big seller for Infiniti.

Standard equipment on all EX35 models now includes heated side mirrors, automatic headlights and an iPod/USB port.

Changes to option packages include the addition of Bluetooth streaming audio, XM NavWeather and a Zagat guide to the Navigation Package.

Trim level pricing is below, however, option package prices are not available at this time. If you’re interested in getting a 2009, Nissan is offering 0% financing for 36 months or 2.9% financing for 72 months; both offers run through Sept 30. 

2009 Infiniti EX35 Gets More Equipment, Higher Price

Infiniti has decided to up the standard equipment level in its EX35 crossover to include leather seats, roof rails and a rearview monitor. That also bumps the starting price to $33,800 from $31,900. The base model is still rear-wheel drive, and all EX35s feature the same 297-hp V-6 engine. The 2009s go on sale starting today.

All-wheel-drive models now start at $35,200, and better-equipped Journey models start at $36,000. The Journey trim adds a standard six-disc CD changer, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel and dual-zone climate control. There are a number of option packages that are also more condensed. We list them below.

The EX hasn't set the world on fire in terms of sales. Through April, sales are down 22.7% compared to the same time last year, and they’re down 43.3% in April alone. In Infiniti’s lineup, it only does better in terms of sales than the M sedan and QX56 SUV.

Check out our review of the 2008 EX35 here. 

Infiniti Begins Winter Incentives Early

Last year, Infiniti’s Limited Engagement Winter Event offered some standard 0% financing deals throughout December. This year, Infiniti is reprising the deals, but doing so a month early. It’s offering 0% financing for 36 months on all remaining 2008 models.

Deals on 2008 models aren’t quite as beneficial for models like the FX and G35, both of which were redesigned significantly for the 2009 year, but on the EX — which was brand-new for 2008 and changed very little this year — a 0% deal on a 2008 is nearly as good as on a 2009.

For a full list of regional incentives, check out Cars.com’s Incentives Page.

Weekend Athlete: 2008 Infiniti EX35

This car is the perfect example of why I do this test. When you look at the EX, you see a teeny little version of Infiniti's FX. As is often the case with younger siblings, though, you shouldn't be lulled into thinking this car isn't capable.

2008 Infiniti EX35 Gets 0% Financing for 72 Months

Infiniti’s all-new EX35 crossover has one heck of a financing deal going on right now. Through Sept. 2, well-qualified buyers – meaning you better have good credit – can get 0% financing for up to 72 months. The offer says a down payment “may” be required and the car must be in a dealer’s stock.

Regardless, this is a terrific deal and drops the monthly payment on a new EX35 by about $100 compared to a standard 5.9% rate over 72 months. We’re fans of the EX35 here at Cars.com, but the vehicle has seen sluggish sales as of late. Base price is $35,450 and $36,850 for all-wheel drive. Both come well-equipped with leather and a moonroof standard.

2008 Infiniti EX35 Expert Review (Cars.com)
Infiniti EX News (KickingTires)

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Infiniti EX35

Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder had the tough task of figuring out what exactly Infiniti was thinking when it built the all-new EX35. Sure, on the surface it seems to be a BMW X3, Acura RDX, Land Rover LR3 competitor, but underneath the sexy skin rests a performance vehicle, not a utility one. Check out his full review to learn exactly how that happened.

2008 Infiniti EX35 Expert Review
2008 Infiniti EX35 Videos

Recall Alert: 2009 Nissan Murano, 2008 Infiniti EX35

Two major new products from Nissan are being recalled due to a software glitch that could cause passenger airbags to fail during a crash.

The recall affects 11,511 2009 Nissan Muranos, which went on sale just this month, and 4,854 2008 Infiniti EX35s, which went on sale in late 2007. Nissan will reprogram the software to fix the problem; it should be an easy fix to a potentially dangerous problem.

First-year models often have growing pains with problems like this, but sometimes news of a recall can sway potential buyers of a new model.

Owners can contact Infiniti at 1-800-662-6200 and Nissan at 1-800-647-7261 for more information.

Nissan Recalls Murano, Infiniti SUVs for Airbag (Bloomberg)

Infiniti EX35 Named Top Safety Pick

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety added the Infiniti EX35 luxury SUV to its list of Top Safety Picks for 2008. In order to qualify for the award, a vehicle must have top ratings in front-, side- and rear-impact crash tests and be equipped with electronic stability control.

IIHS has added 13 vehicles to its list this year, as manufacturers have introduced new models or improved existing ones, and the EX35 is the most recent to make the list. Other SUVs named Top Safety Picks include other luxury SUVs like the Lincoln MKX, Mercedes M-Class and BMW’s X3 and X5, both of which were also added this year.