To be called the FX30d, the model features a new 3.0-litre V6 and costs from £45,150, £200 more than the equivalent FX37 petrol model, and comes with an all-wheel drive system. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle stands at 31.4 mpg while CO2 emissions are 238g/km.

Infiniti is particularly highlighting the model's performance capabilities, with 406lb.ft of torque available at 1750rpm and 238PS. The turbocharger is mounted in the V of the engine which is set at an unusual 65 degree angle, aiding balance, reliability as well as packaging efficiency, says Infiniti. Paired with the standard 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control automatic transmission, the piezo-injection engine powers the FX from 0-62 mph in 8.3 seconds.

The new diesel model is available in four guises. FX buyers can go in two specification directions: luxury GT or sporting S. The 2010 GT comes equipped as standard with paddle-shift 7-speed automatic transmission, intelligent all-wheel drive, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, bi-Xenon cornering headlights (AFS), rear view camera and parking sensors, powered front seat adjustment (with driver’s seat memory), electric reach and rake adjustment for steering wheel, glass sunroof, 20-inch light alloy wheels, I-Key with smart access, cruise control, Scratch Shield self-healing paint and a 7-speaker audio system including 6-CD changer, MP3 decoder, Aux-In and Bluetooth for mobile connectivity.

The S derivatives ramp up the sporting appeal with powered front sports seats, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) shock absorbers, 21-inch alloy wheels and, on the diesel S and 5.0-litre V8 petrol only, Rear Active Steering (RAS), which enhances both stability and agility. To distinguish the S, the model comes with smoked-glass headlamps and dark chrome exterior air vent and sill strip.

In addition, Premium models in both specification trims gain the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system, available in Europe for the first time. Not only does this warn the driver when the car strays out of a designated traffic lane, but it will also then take action if that warning is not heeded. Gentle brake pressure on one side of the car guides the vehicle back into the correct lane. LDP functions only above 70km/h and is automatically over-ridden by use of the indicators. The system can also be turned off by the driver if desired.

FX Premium versions are also equipped with features such as Around View Monitor and a 30GB hard disk drive satellite navigation system; a key ingredient of Infiniti’s headline Connectiviti+ information and entertainment platform. In addition, Premium models come with a 10 GB Music Box which can store the equivalent of 300 CDs – and, as standard, a Bose Premium Sound System.