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Guilty again.

Cardinal rule in this business is to neither expect too much nor too little.

Worst is expecting too much because you’ll be disappointed, which was the case with the 2003 Infiniti FX45.

A few weeks ago (Transportation, April 6) we tested the ’03 Chrysler Pacifica, one of the machines designated crossover that represents a cross between sport-utility, sedan, wagon and minivan.

Nice vehicle, but one with a few rough edges, such as outside mirrors that are a bit small, leather seats a bit stiff and the third-row bench seat a tad shy of allowing an adult to raise the melon without striking the roof.

Then the FX45 arrived. If the $32,000 Pacifica had a few rough edges, certainly the $44,000 Infiniti would be a lot smoother. Chrysler, after all, builds vehicles for the masses, and Infiniti assembles them for the well-to-do.

Mirrors are of ample size in the FX. Leather seats are soft. And there’s no third row so you don’t have to worry about a bad hair day extending all the way to your sinus cavities when you clunk your head on the ceiling while sitting there.

But it has shortcomings, too. Considering it’s an offering from Nissan’s luxury division, we expected it to be much more luxurious than it is, especially when the sticker starts at $44,000 plus change.

The FX is two vehicles, both built off the same platform as the Infiniti G35 sedan. One is the FX35, so-called because it comes with a 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower V-6 borrowed from the G35 sedan; the other the FX45 with a 4.5-liter, 315-h.p. V-8 borrowed from the Infiniti Q45, though minus 25 h.p. you’d get in the Q.

The FX35 is available in all-wheel-drive for the Snow Belt or rear-wheel-drive for the Sun Belt. The FX45 is offered in AWD only. We tested the FX45.

Infiniti goes a little bonkers over the 4.5-liter V-8 teamed with 5-speed automatic, saying it turns the FX into a sports crossover that would be equally at home on the road or the track. In fact, the FX45 comes with a sports-tuned suspension rather than one tuned for softer, boulevard ride.

Potent, to be sure. Quick power bursts are its trademark. No hill too high, no load too heavy, but no gas station better be too far, considering the FX’s 15 m.p.g. city/19 m.p.g. highway rating. The tank holds 23.8 gallons. You’ll be glad to have each one. The FX35 is rated at 19/26, the choice for those more concerned with passing filling stations than climbing hills.

The FX45 comes with monster 20-inch radial tires, the FX35 with large, but not as overpowering, 18-inch treads.

Those bold 20-inch treads are the type often used at auto shows. They are added to ensure concept vehicles stand high to be seen by the crowds.

The huge, wide-profile radials look great, but they tend to wander on the road. The wheel may be pointed straight, but without notice the radials sometimes decide to move a little right o r left, wherever the grooves worn into the pavement take them.

Steering at times feels a little labored, too, the result of having to move those big tires into position.

Also, those radials and the sports-tuned suspension mean ride is firm and at times a bit rough in a vehicle that’s considered a luxury machine that you would expect to cushion occupants a little more from the harshness of the road beneath.

Those designated to sit in the second-row seats report feeling the stiffness more than those upfront.

We were able to drive the FX45 on clear, dry roads and snow-packed pavement. While you may grumble on clear roads, the AWD keeps you moving in the snow. Traction and stability control are standard.

When loading up the passenger cabin, you’ll find the rear doors don’t open all that wide and the wheel well eats into some of the space usually reserved for cabin entry/exit, so expect a tight squeeze in or out.

There is no third row seat. Can’t hold that against the FX, but why did Infiniti choose to have the second-row seat backs sit straight up as if at attention? If your posture isn’t perfect, the second-row seats in the FX should solve the problem.

There are, of course, some very nice features, such as the instrument cluster that moves up and down with the steering column when you adjust it for driver height. This guarantees you can see the instruments through the wheel no matter your size.

Another good feature is that when you lift the tailgate, you can pull handles in both side walls and the second-row seat backs quickly fold flat to allow for added cargo.

However, be advised that dual cupholders slip out from the bottom of the second-row seat at almost floor level. To ensure whoever is loading cargo doesn’t pull the handle and lower the seat back and spill the contents of the cupholder, a large decal in the cargo hold warns: “Pay attention to a cup if you fold the seat.”

Still, we suspect that a good class-action lawyer probably will be able to win a huge settlement in court to cover the pain and suffering, as well as wet carpet, when some oaf pulls the handle and lets the seat back drop and contents of the cupholder spill on the floor–yet argues he didn’t see the decal.

To get the seats upright again, you have to reach in through the side doors. There’s no pull-up strap in back–and no warning label to prevent you from spilling that cup a second time.

The rear seat backs are split and fold individually to expand the cargo hold, which is surprisingly ample considering the vehicle profile is all hood and almost no deck.

As for the design of Infiniti’s first crossover, in profile it looks a lot like a Lexus RX330, the best-selling vehicle in the Lexus lineup, which may be why Infiniti chose to mimic the design. Study the profile long enough, and you may see some Chrysler PT Cruiser as well. What you don’t see, unlike the Pacifica, is any hint of wagon.

Base price: $44,225. Standard equipment includes power windows/locks/mirrors (heated), side air-bag curtains front and rear, dual zone automatic temperature control, rear-window washer/wiper/defroster, privacy glass, eight-way driver and four-way power passenger seat, leather interior, cruise control, AM/FM stereo with cassette and six-disc in-dash CD changer, remote keyless entry and a tool kit.

To get a power sunroof requires purchasing the $2,100 premium package that includes Bose audio system, universal garage door opener, automatic on/off headlamps and audio controls in the steering column. If the relationship between power sunroof and universal garage door opener mystifies you, welcome to the club.

Infiniti expects to sell 30,000 FX35/45 models combined annually, the majority with AWD.

2003 Infiniti FX45

Wheelbase: 112.2 inches

Length: 189.1 inches

Engine: 4.5-liter, 315-h.p., 32-valve V-8.

Transmission: 5-speed automatic.

Fuel economy: 15 m.p.g. city/19 m.p.g. highway.

Base price: $44,225.

Price as tested: $46,845. Includes $2,100 for premium package with power sunroof, Bose audio system, Homelink universal garage/gate opener, auto on/off headlamps, steering wheel audio controls; and $520 for roof rails with crossbars. Add $545 freight.

Pluses: First crossover vehicle from Infiniti. Features an interesting design, somewhat a cross between a Lexus RX330 and a Chrysler PT Cruiser on steroids, that in no way will be confused with a station wagon. The V-8 is potent and shared with the Q45 sedan. All-wheel-drive standard. Loaded with equipment, from traction/stability control and side curtain air bags to any item that starts with the word power. Look at those standard 20-inch radials.

Minuses: Now look at the mileage rating–then look at h price, and a $2,100 option package to get a power sunroof.