Infinitiqx30

FIRST DRIVE Crossover is decent to drive and well equipped, but comes with a hefty price tag

IF you want to get noticed in the car world, you build a crossover – and a distinctive one. 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, but given the current appetite for compact crossovers this could be the car to change that. Although not a fully fledged SUV, the QX30 still has plenty of rivals, with cars like the Mercedes GLA and DS 4 Crossback vying for the same customers.

The origami-style bodywork of the QX30 may not be to all tastes, but it certainly stands out. It’s just a shame Infiniti’s daring design hasn’t translated to the interior, which is drab in comparison.

It’s not especially spacious, either. The 430-litre boot is 51 litres down on the GLA, despite the two sharing the same platform. That plunging roofline steals valuable headroom, too. Sitting in the back can feel claustrophobic due to the small rear windows.

While there are various petrol and diesel engine options in the Q30 hatchback, Infiniti has made the choice in the QX30 much simpler – as there’s only one 2.2-litre diesel on offer. The 168bhp four-cylinder unit is paired with a seven-speed dualclutch automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. That makes it pretty 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 the Q30 hatch is the more cushioned ride. The latter 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.

As you’ll find in the standard Q30, the 2.2-litre diesel sounds a little uncivilised 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 smooth seven-speed auto to romp through the gears, using the 350Nm of torque to build momentum. For a tall, portly crossover, the QX30 doesn’t mind being hustled around, though. Despite the elevated stance, it resists body roll pretty well and the all-wheel drive means you’re never short of grip.

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 standard. But at this price it’s difficult to ignore the more spacious, refined and plusher BMW X1, even though it’s not as well equipped.

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