If you want to get noticed in the car world, you build a crossover. That’s exactly what Infiniti has done with the new QX30 – putting its Q30 hatchback on stilts to compete in the fastest growing market across Europe.
Nissan’s luxury arm is still a relative minnow in the industry but this could well be the car to change that. Although not a fully-fledged SUV, the QX30 still has plenty of competition, with cars like the Mercedes GLA and DS 4 Crossback both vying for the same customer.
The origami-style bodywork of the QX30 may not be to all tastes, but the big-selling Nissan Juke proved looks aren’t everything. It’s just a shame Infiniti’s daring design hasn’t translated to the interior, which by comparison seems rather drab and characterless.
It’s not particularly spacious either. The 430-litre boot is 51 litres down on the GLA despite the two sharing the same platform. That plunging roofline steals some valuable headroom, too. Sitting in the back can feel a bit claustrophobic due to the small rear window and dark headlining.
While there are various petrol and diesel engine options in the Q30 hatchback, Infiniti has made the choice in the QX30 rather simpler – as there’s only one 2.2-litre diesel on offer. The 168bhp four-cylinder unit is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. That makes it rather pricey, though, starting from £29,490 and rising to a substantial £33,370 for our top spec Premium Tech model. Spec for spec it’s around £2,000 more than the hatch.
On the move, the most notable difference between the QX30 and its hatchback sibling is the more cushioned ride. The Q30 is far from uncomfortable, but the increased suspension travel on the crossover helps it deal with bigger undulations on the road. Having said that, hit an expansion joint or pothole at speed and the QX30 can’t quite shake it off without alerting the driver of its presence.
Like you'll find in the standard Q30, the 2.2-litre diesel does sound a little uncivilized at idle, while there’s little enjoyment to be had in revving it out. That said, by 3,500rpm the engine has delivered near enough all it's got, so it is best to leave the slick seven-speed auto to romp through the gears, using the 350Nm of torque to build momentum.
For a tall and portly crossover, the QX30 doesn’t mind being hustled around, though. Despite the elevated stance, it resists body roll relatively well and the all-wheel drive system means you’re never short of grip. In fact, compared with the Mercedes GLA, the Infiniti feels more stable and engaging behind the wheel.
Given the inflated price tag, it's a relief to find there's no shortage of kit: a reversing camera, full leather interior, 18-inch alloys and sat-nav are all fitted as standard. However, at this price point it's difficult to ignore the fact you can have the (admittedly lesser equipped) more spacious, better refined and even plusher BMW X1.
- Model: Infiniti QX30 2.2d Premium Tech
- Price: £33,370
- Engine: 2.2-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
- Power: 167bhp
- Torque: 350Nm
- Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
- 0-62mph: 8.5 seconds
- Top speed: 134mph
- Economy: 57.6mpg
- CO2: 128g/km
- On sale: Now
Artikel terkait :
SEAT Ateca 2.0 TSI petrol 2018 review- Long-term test review: SsangYong Rexton
- New limited edition Mazda 2 Sport Black revealed
- Genesis Essentia electric coupe concept revealed at New York
- Jaguar ‘R’ models facing the axe
- New McLaren 570S Spider Track Pack launched
- Motorway petrol stations face enquiry over ‘exploitative’ prices
- Mazda 3 Sport Black special edition arrives for 2018
- ‘Two unlikely stars of New York are the venue itself and its British boss’
- New Jaguar E-Pace D150 manual 2018 review