INFINITI CUV WANNABE
2017 Infiniti QX30 crashes the compact crossover party with a welcome measure of style, luxury
The rapidly growing niche of compact luxury crossovers has expanded for 2017 with the addition of a new Infiniti: the QX30.
This eye-catching CUV’s curvaceous body conceals a not-so-secret fact: The QX30 is basically a Mercedes-Benz GLA250, the German automaker’s entry-level crossover. This Teutonic-Japanese collaboration has given Nissan’s luxury division excellent bones upon which to fashion a competitive, uniquely styled vehicle to woo customers eager to be seen in the latest offering.
Available in front- and allwheel-driver versions, the QX30, if truth be told, is really more of a sporty, slightly raised hatchback, given its modest ground clearance. Only the all-wheel-drive model, fitted with skid plates, can clear an 8-inch-tall obstacle. By way of comparison, a Subaru Outback boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Still, it’s doubtful most drivers of the QX30 are looking to hammer up a rock-strewn forest road to a favorite fishing hole: It’s more likely they’ll traverse parking-lot speed bumps for dinner at a high-end seafood cafe.
The running gear is all Mercedes-sourced. The engine is a smooth-‘n’-snappy, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder linked to a dual-clutch sevenspeed automatic transmission. With 208 horsepower and a generous 258 pound-feet of torque coming on at a low 1,250 rpm, the little CUV wannabe delivers respectably sporty performance, marred occasionally by touch of turbo lag.
Infiniti has done its own suspension tuning, with some suspect choices. While the steering is direct, a bit more heft would be welcome. And while the car grips the pavement well (on our all-wheeldrive tester), a bit of body lean argues for a less-aggressive pace along twisty roads. The car does ride quietly, if firmly, along the highway.
The cabin is handsomely outfitted, with top-notch materials and assembly suitable for a luxury-class vehicle. Likewise, the dash design is attractive and ergonomic.
The low roofline looks cool, but impinges upon headroom, particularly in the rear seat, and squeezes cargo space.
Overall, the QX30 brings a welcome dose of daring style to the segment. Is it really a CUV? Well, that’s open to debate.