Infiniti's FX is a vehicle that's hard to ignore. It's aggressive. Sultry. Tempting to the lead foot crowd. For a crossover/utility vehicle, that's no mean feat. Infiniti suggests its the sports car-like topping on a muscular foundation that makes it irresistible. Some pack-to-the-corners functionality of owning a crossover could be trimmed by the lower, sloping rear roof line and sweeping exterior curves. No matter. It's just so darn good looking.

Infiniti nailed it with this design and has reaped accolades for two years. For 2006, there are minor styling changes and more standard items on the menu. New grille, bumper and wheel designs head the list for '06, along with three new exterior colors, Liquid Platinum, Serengeti Sand and Autumn Copper.

FX comes in two iterations, with V-8 or V-6 power. The all-wheel-drive FX45 uses the same 4.5-liter V-8 as the Q45. The horsepower rating, now at 320, reflects revised SAE standards. The FX35 in all- or rear-drive versions, uses the 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6.

High tech leads in the FX. Its optional lane departure warning system uses a tiny rearview mirror-mounted camera to view road markings and calculate vehicle drift out of lane. Available "preview braking" uses the intelligent cruise control to sense when the distance between the FX and a vehicle ahead isn't adequate. The system pre-pressurizes braking to improve response by the driver.

For '06, some options become standard for the FX. All models get 300-watt Bose audio, rear view monitor, 7-inch color display, and advanced airbag system. Heated leather front seats, 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar support and eight-way passenger's power seat become standard for FX35. Premium package amenities become standard for the FX45, along with new 20-inch wheels and tires.

FX45 enters the market at a suggested $49,750 before adding options. FX35 starts at $37,800 for the front drive model. For those who are picky about their audio entertainment, Infiniti offers a choice of XM or Sirius Satellite radio.