Impressively relevant

> Two years on, and the Infiniti Q50 is still worth a serious consideration

1 World Champion who drove for the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One team back then. This turbocharged, 16-valved, 2-litre car with variable valve timing may not attain F1 speeds, but I did take it to 240km/h where both car and driver were quite relaxed at such velocity, even with just 17-inch wheels shod with 225/55 runflat tyres. It’s also an enjoyable car to drive spiritedly on bendy, trunk roads. The Q50, I’m happy to say, feels very much like a European car, most of which are renowned for their high-speed performance, stability and composure.

Despite its age, this is one of those cars I’d dare recommend to you, for a serious consideration. It’s still “fresh”, as far as my eyes, hands, legs and bum are concerned! Also, you’re looking at quite a rare car in Malaysia, complemented by the Infiniti level of pre- and aftersales service tailored for people with “discerning taste” cars.

Fully-imported from Japan, it goes for RM239,800 (on-the-road, with GST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private registration). Add just another RM36,000 and you’d get the GT Premium optional package consisting of high-tech features such as the world’s first steer-bywire system – Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) – which allows unprecedented driving comfort, safety and steering precision; the world’s first Active Lane Control (ALC) which uses a camera-based technology to further enhance lane-keeping capability and safety; Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW) and Intelligent Cruise Control; Forward Emergency Braking (FEB); Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems; Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) systems; and Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection. Other hardware include 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels and 225/50 runflats, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Automatic High Beam headlights and a more awesome sound system.

The GT Premium Sport package is about RM10,000 more – which includes everything the GT Premium package has, but with a sports front bumper, 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels with 245 section run-flat tyres.