Declaring globalization on all heights
"Filling a niche for Infiniti and its marketplace."
"The 2.0-liter turbo engine is soundless and flat," said Issam.
"Premium compact crossover is among the hottest-growing segments on the planet!"
The so-called "Compact premium crossover" that is dominated by the trio of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz with the Q3, X1 and GLA-Class now make good business sense for Infiniti to enter the fight. The Infiniti QX30 AWD is perfect for around-city living and infrequent, mild off-roading. Featuring a fashionable design, it will appeal to most international tastes. The QX30 is the entry to Infiniti’s premium compact crossover, which is smaller than the QX50 but stands between its siblings, the Q30 and Q50 sedan.
Pretty similar to the brotherhood of the A-Class and GLA-Class, Infiniti’s partnership with Daimler has resulted in another product derived from the Q30, the QX30. We all know that most of the interior cockpit has been borrowed from Mercedes-Benz but the QX30 has completely different bodywork, unique tuning for the powertrain and suspension, and is built at a Nissan factory in the UK.
Exterior
Remaining true to the powerful and elegant design cues that guided the original QX30 concept, the car’s highly sculpted exterior, unique crossover stance and asymmetric cabin design exemplify Infiniti’s design-led approach to product development. The QX30 is characterized by dramatic curves and turbulent, sculpted character lines that make an emotional statement; evolving them into new dynamic shapes for a more purposeful appearance. Its crossover-style versatility extends from unique design appeal and a wide range of comfort, convenience, safety and dynamic features, along with an elevated ride height and high-stability drivetrain designed to give drivers an added level of confidence.
Interior
The bold approach Infiniti has taken to design continues inside the QX30, which challenges traditional standards of symmetry with its expressive, modern and dynamic interior. The QX30 is equipped with the premium Café Teak theme package option that offers brown Nappa leather seating and dash insert, brown leatherette console and door trim, black contrast stitching and genuine wood center stack.
Driving impressions
Driving the Infiniti QX30 in UAE, from Dubai to Ras el Khaimah is amusing at all times. Its chassis and steering are tuned to be on the sportier side of the premium small crossover class. Body movements are slightly felt and the electric power steering weights up agreeably through twists, yet the suspension never smashes over speed bumps. Honestly speaking, it’s got an Audi vehicle’s balance between control and relaxation that brings a smile to my face! Speaking of the gearbox, Infiniti’s ride comfort is smoother and more relaxed than the Mercedes on which it’s based on. My single concern regarding the whole driving experience is that I wasn’t able to pick ‘Normal’ mode in the driving selector. I know that ‘Eco’ mode delivers improved fuel consumption but at the expense of acceleration and low rpm shifts; the ‘Sport’ mode was nearly overactive in its rpm shifts; and the ‘Manual’ mode still upshifted and downshifted at programmed RPMs-like most of the vehicles-regularly at times when I didn’t expect it and didn’t want it to.
Verdict
I know that it is still a small segment around our region (without mentioning the Lebanese market) but surely a growing one in the upcoming future. The QX30 is a fascinating substitute to the usual German league. But still some people who don’t mind the money will surely select the Q3, X1 or GLA. Starting price for the QX30 is AED 150,000, $40,984 USD, plus VAT.
Rivals: BMW X1, Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA, Range Rover Evoque, Mazda CX-3
Pros: Premium interior, attractive exterior design, tranquil chassis, value for money
Cons: Still a small segment, only one engine choice, absence of normal driving mode
one word: universal
4.5 / 5 stars
Specs
2.0L turbocharged, 4-cylinders, 208 hp @ 5,500 rpm, 350 Nm @ 1,200 rpm
AWD, 7-speed automatic
0-100 km/h: 6.4 secs, top speed: 230 km/h, fuel consumption: 9.7-7.1 L/100 km
Weight: 1,546 kg
