My test drive of Infiniti’s revised cross-over SUV, the 2011 EX35 Journey RWD, started on a Thursday afternoon, right after it was delivered to the driveway of my home here in Houston.

Reaching for the keys of the Journey, I was taken immediately by its sculpted exterior design, its color (Graphite Shadow) and its sporty interior with rich (and standard) leather seating.

As you might guess, I was eager to get inside and take it was a spin around the block. But, the Journey’s advanced 297-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and the new 7-speed automatic transmission (standard features) motivated me to drive out of the neighborhood and on over to Interstate-10. I headed west, out of the city and toward the open road. I wanted to “just drive.” At least for a little while. The Journey proved to be a fun ride. The vehicle’s HP and performance were great, and the ride was quiet, comfortable and smooth.

I liked the size of the Journey too. It wasn’t too big, nor too small; there was plenty of room for me, additional passengers and the “stuff” we’d all love to haul home from a major shopping trip.

The Journey I drove was fully loaded (which I loved). It had, among its features, a RearView Monitor, premium audio system, power-up folding 2nd row seat, Lane Departure Prevention system (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

Next evening, I was having dinner with a girlfriend. I offered to pick her up and do the driving. As soon as she stepped out of the door of her home and spotted the Journey, she smiled. Getting in, she commented, “This is my next new car! I’ve just love it!

”Being the reporter I am, I asked her what she liked about it.

She just laughed, then said, Are you kidding? Everything! Finally, a car that’s perfect for us women. We can enjoy driving and parking this one!”

She was right about both. That night I had to parallel park outside the restaurant we were going to. No problem. Manuvering the Journey alongside the curb was quick and easy! Loved that!

The MSRBP for the 2011 EX35 Journey RWD is $36,350. It boasts 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, but my tracking in both areas proved somewhat higher. I really loved that too!

Editor’s Note: Infiniti offers a full line of luxury performance automobiles that inspire at every turn, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers and the QX full-size SUV. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience can be found at www.InfinitiUSA.com.