INFINITI’S CROSSOVER TO LUXURY
The 2018 Infiniti QX30 is a blend of Japanese and German engineering that makes for a very sporty upscale hatchback.
Infiniti borrowed from Mercedes-Benz for this model in the hopes of tackling a market segment that features Acura, Audi, BMW, Lexus and the QX30’s fraternal twin, the GLA250. This 2-year-old is one of the newer entries and uses a retuned MercedesBenz 208-hp 2.0-liter turbo engine that spins a 7-speed transmission with overdrive, which at 30 mpg on the highway really helps skip the gas pumps.
This slick CUV is a fun driving machine that merrily zips along the highway and gives the driver plenty of spirit in the turns. Pop on the Sport mode to bring the tuned suspension and shift points into play and you’ve got yourself a downright nifty driver’s car.
But it’s the car’s smooth driving that stands out. Quick acceleration, crisp handling and minimum body roll highlight the driving experience. All-wheel drive and three driving modes will entertain all styles of driving. Slotted in at a base MSRP of $37,700, the QX30 Premium Model is one of four models and is the entry-level luxury utility vehicle in the Infiniti fleet.
Although the Infiniti adds its own well-known curvy sheet metal styling, the M-B version pays heed to sharper German lineage. I’ve driven both models and thoroughly enjoy their curb appeal. A deep honeycombed grille is framed by sleek LED headlamps while a prominent crease draws your eye along the waistline. Wrap-around taillights finish the streamlined effect that ties in the hatchback.
Well-placed curved aluminum accents on the rear doors enhance the illusion of speed and add an eyepleasing aura along the rear doorframe. The 19inch multi-spoked aluminum wheels boasted performance all-season tires.
Supportive climate-controlled leather seats with contrasting stitching and panels keep you well centered and comfortable no matter the driving. With a higher ground clearance than sedans, sliding in and out of the QX30 is easy. Once in the cabin, some of the German influences appear. The shifter, rotary infotainment controller, wiper and cruise control stalk along with the center stack will be very familiar to European car owners. A clean two-gauge dash with info box is easy to read and framed by a leatherwrapped steering wheel.
One drawback: the storage is a bit tight, although I got my golf clubs in without a hitch.
For a fun, around-town CUV and occasional exhilarating ride — this machine has it.