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Somewhere out there, somebody’s dying to buy a nifty-looking sport wagon with the latest technical features. They couldn’t care less about passenger space or practicality. They want style and distinction. Infiniti hopes there’s a bunch of folks like that, because it has just the vehicle for them: the 2008 EX35.

The EX35 is a slinky-looking all-wheel drive model that features a smooth and powerful V6 engine, distinctive looks and a couple of unique new features.

The vehicle itself is unique as well, and shares its chassis with Nissan and Infiniti’s very good rear- and all-wheel drive models: the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G sport sedan and coupe, M sedan and the larger 2009 FX that goes on sale this summer.

In terms of price, size and power, the EX35 could conceivably compete with anything from a BMW 335ci sport coupe or a Volvo V50 compact wagon to small luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Lincoln MKX. Prices for the 2008 Infiniti EX35 start at $31,300 for a base rear-wheel drive model. The least expensive all-wheel drive EX starts at $32,700, while the better-equipped Journey trim level goes for $34,850 rear-drive and $36,250 with all-wheel drive.

I tested a loaded EX35 AWD Journey that stickered at $44,600. All prices exclude destination charges. Infiniti, which is Nissan’s luxury brand, created its most distinctive and successful model with the “what was that?” looks of the sporty FX a few years ago. The original FX is still one of the best-looking cars on the road, but a larger and more expensive new model goes on sale this year. The EX essentially replaces the low end of the FX lineup.

The EX35’s body has the same long-nose, high-haunch profile and slippery roofline that distinguished the FX. Wraparound lights that bleed into the front and rear fenders complete the flowing effect. That form diminishes interior function to an extent usually seen only in sports cars. Front head and shoulder space are snug, and the back seat is about as much use as your appendix. The power-folding 60/40 split rear seat creates useful cargo space, although the liftover into the hatch is a bit high.

The interior is trimmed in attractive leather, with tasteful wood and metal trim. The instruments and controls are easy to read, reach and use. The iPod interface for the stereo is not as well integrated into the audio system as in current models from Cadillac and Lincoln, however. The Bose stereo provides excellent sound and volume.

Where the original FX was biased toward sporty handling at the expense of comfort, the EX reverses the equation. The speed-sensitive power steering is direct and precise; the brakes are confident and have good pedal feel. The five-speed automatic transmission is smooth in auto mode, quick and precise when you shift it yourself. In the manual mode, electronic controls match engine revolutions to vehicle speed for engine braking that duplicates the control and responsiveness you get using a real manual transmission.

Power from the 3.5-liter V6 is fine for fast highway runs and confident passing, but the 3,953-pound EX35’s overall performance is less exhilarating than that of the lighter cars in its class — the 335i, Volvo V50 T5 AWD and Infiniti’s own G37 coupe, among others.

The EPA rates EX35 fuel economy at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The Infiniti trails all the cars it hopes to compete with and the X3 and RDX SUVs. The MKX scored about 1 mpg worse, but it runs on regular gasoline, while Infiniti recommends premium for the EX. According to EPA calculations, fueling the EX35 would cost about $25 more a year than the MKX.

In addition to its unique looks, the EX35 justifies its existence with a couple of features you can’t find on any other vehicle: self-healing paint and a four-camera video system that provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle when you’re parking.

With its unusual combination of limited interior space and SUV-ish looks, the EX35 isn’t the car for everybody. But if you think one-of-a-kind styling and features trump the room of an SUV and the performance of a sporty car, Infiniti has built the vehicle for you.