Infiniti has launched one of its most crucial models in Australia, the Infiniti Q30 compact crossover that it hopes will attract younger buyers to its brand.
Sporting a bold and attractive shape, the car has stayed true to the design cues first previewed in the original 2013 concept.
Three variants are on offer in Australia, all are front-wheel drive featuring a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
Kicking off the range is the entry-level 1.6t GT priced from $38,900 plus on-road costs. The mid-range Sports model starts from $44,900. The lineup rounds out with the 2.2d Sports Premium at $54,900.
Curiously, a rear-view camera is only standard on the range-topping Sports Premium and not even available as an option on the rest of the range. The Q30 also misses out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The only option across the range is a $1,000 Bose sound system in the Sports model.
Buyers are offered a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine. The entry-level 1.6t GT is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 115kW at 5,300rpm and 250Nm of torque between 1,250-4,000rpm. It is claimed to return an average consumption of 6.0L/100km and emits 139g/km of CO2, while 0-100km/h is achieved in 8.9 seconds.
The 2.0t Sports and Sports Premium variants are propelled by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which generates 155kW at 5,500rpm and 350Nm between 1,200-4,000rpm. It takes 7.3 seconds for the century sprint and uses a claimed 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Finally, a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is specified for the 2.2d Sports and Sports Premium models. It churns out 125kW between 3,400-4,000rpm and 350Nm between 1,400-3,400rpm. It will dash from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds while using just 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
While the Infiniti Q30 may share its platform and running gear with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, thanks to a collaboration agreement between the two companies, the Japanese brand has infused the Q30 with a much more exciting design than the A-Class.
“Infiniti is an expression of design. We want our customers to feel the hand of the artist at work in the sculpted, muscular aesthetic of our cars. Q30 design is marked by turbulent character lines and sculptural shapes that look stretched over bone and muscle. The effect is a spontaneous feeling of harmonious design that can be appreciated at a glance,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director.
Its front fascia is dominated by the doublearch grille with 3D mesh and fluid headlamps design. The dramatic curves and turbulent lines flow up the bonnet, over the fenders and across the body line into the strong shoulder of the car.
The signature C-pillar arcs forward in a dynamic crescent shape that emphasises motion, even when stationary.
An important, differentiating characteristic of the Q30’s design is its combination of elevated stance with an overall height that is comparable with models in the traditional compact segment. The Q30’s height (1,495mm) allows for a higher hip point (531mm), which aids ingress and egress.
Inside, while the dashboard design is less dramatic, it nevertheless oozes class. Infiniti says its interior has been engineered to be quiet and calm. The 2.2-litre diesel models also come with Active Noise Cancellation which emits sound waves through the car’s speakers to counteract distracting noises, such as low frequency booming from the engine.
A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard across the range, while GT and Sport models get six-way manually adjustable front seats with four-way driver’s seat power lumbar support. Sport Premium models get 8-way power adjustable front seats.
All Australian-market Infiniti Q30 vehicles are made in Sunderland, UK.
Infiniti Q30 standard features highlight:
Q30 1.6t:
- 115kW/250Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol
- ECO stop/start system
- 18-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels
- Tyre repair kit
- Power folding, heated exterior mirrors, driver’s side auto dimming
- Halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights
- Auto headlighs
- Premium cloth upholstery with leatherette dashboard finisher, door armrest and centre armrest
- Manual single-zone climate control
- Remote keyless entry
- Bluetooth with audio streaming and voice recognition
- 7-inch touchscreen Infiniti in Touch infotainment system
- Infiniti Controller
- Satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic updates
- Cruise control with speed limiter
Q30 Sport adds:
- 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol or 125kW/350Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel
- ECO stop/start system
- 19-inch 5 twin-spoke Gun metal grey aluminium alloy wheels
- Sports-tuned suspension (15mm lower/7 per cent stiffer)
- Cross-drilled Brembo front brake rotors
- Adaptive LED headlights with cornering function
- Unique front grille and bumpers
- Lane Departure Warning
- Sports seats with Alcantara and leatherette upholstery
- Sports pedals
Q30 Sports Premium adds:
- Moon roof
- Automatic dual-zone climate control with rear passenger vents and display
- Ambient lighting
- Intelligent Cruise Control with Intelligent Brake Assist
- Around View Monitor
- Moving Object Detection
- Intelligent Park Assist – automatic parallel parking
- 8-way power adjustable front seats with memory
- Nappa leather upholstery with white inserts
- 10-speaker Bose premium audio system with subwoofer and Active Noise Control
Pricing (excluding on-road costs):
| Model | Option | Pricing |
| Q30 1.6t GT | $38,900 | |
| Q30 2.0t Sports | $44,900 | |
| Q30 2.0t Sports | BOSE Sound | $45,900 |
| Q30 2.2d Sports | $46,900 | |
| Q30 2.2d Sports | BOSE Sound | $47,900 |
| Q30 2.0t Sports Premium | $52,900 | |
| Q30 2.2d Sports Premium | $54,900 |
2017 Infiniti Q30 and Q30 Sports