Timing is everything when it comes to selling cars.
The Infiniti Q30 Premium 1600 with 2WD is pitched into the heart of the booming SUV sector and it’s the latest model to come out of the highly successful Sunderland vehicle assembly plant operated by Nissan, the parent company of Infiniti.
It’s stylish and looks the part of an SUV with a choice of 2WD or AWD, is well made and finished with good economy potential and a rarity value which some rivals have overlooked. What could go wrong? Well, a few things irked me.
The Infiniti has for now a modest range of engines and trim levels and the options on the test car were not cheap with £1,400 navigation system, metallic white paint £670 & sunroof £500.
I would be annoyed if I had shelled out £1,400 on a navigation system which on the test car had software which was not up to date by at least a year and would lead me to question its accuracy and reliability as a result.
Pitched against some better-known German rivals it was also lacking in power and with a full load of passengers it had to be encouraged along with higher revs and plenty of gear changes, which immediately hit economy. We managed a respectable average of over 40mpg, but it frequently dipped below 30mpg when driven quickly with a full load.
With passengers in the back, the already limited view through the slit-like rear window was made worse and you really had to rely on the reversing sensors to pick up anything or anyone obscured by the thick c-pillars and high tail.
Boot space was reasonable but not what you might expect in a family car and that was even without a full size spare wheel or run-flat tyre as it came with just a puncture repair kit, which is of no help with all but the simplest deflation.
The Infiniti Q30 is the brand’s first SUV/ Crossover type model and appeals to fashion conscious car lovers. It is a good four seater, tight for five, and it’s no challenge to drive with good forward and side vision, good big wipers and bright headlights for bad weather.
The 1600 cc engine is smooth and fairly quiet, the gearchange light and precise with modest clutch weight and brakes had good feedback and power.
You could hear the suspension working away over bad roads but it coped well and was fairly smooth riding, with a slight roll on bends but it handled faithfully and roadholding was safe and predictable for a 2WD car.
It looks good inside as well as out with plenty of oddments room and the heating and ventilation kept everyone content.
For the driver, major and secondary controls were well placed and operated with a solidity while the stylish instruments were clear and easy to read.
There is no doubt the Infiniti Q30 will be very attractive to buyers who want something different and do not need a huge amount of power or acres of space.
It is also well priced before you add on extras, but its residual value is still an unknown quantity and that is down to the market and time.
FAST FACTS
| Infiniti Q30 Premium | Price: £21,600 |
| Insurance Group: 16 | Mechanical: 122ps 4-cyl 1.6 litre petrol, 6sp man 2WD |
| Max Speed: 124 mph | 0-62mph: 9.4 sec |
| Combined MPG: 40.1mpg | C02 emissions: 138gkm |
| Bik rating: 24% | Warranty: 3yrs/ 62,000 miles |
| For: Rarity, style, refinement | Against: Rear visibility, modest performance. |
