ELEGANT DESIGN

Infiniti QX30 – a premium active crossover launched in Oman

Created for a new generation of premium buyers who appreciate category-defying design inside and out, the all-new INFINITI QX30 premium active crossover was launched recently in Sultanate at the INFINITI Oman showroom.

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. All-new QX30 boasts of a purposeful appearance that makes a bold visual statement – and joins the Q30 as part of INFINITI’s new premium compact model line-up. In addition to its striking appearance, the QX30 offers an elevated ride height, confidence-inspiring handling, and a versatile attitude, underpinned by an Intelligent All-wheel Drive system. As a result, the vehicle is able to take on urban, suburban and winding rural roads in all driving conditions.

A spokesperson for INFINITI Oman said, “Further fulfilling INFINITI’s promise to expand its product line-up based on popular concept car designs, the arrival of the all-new QX30 premium active crossover comes at a moment of opportunity for the INFINITI brand.

The QX30 adds another dimension to INFINITI’s premium model line-up and will play a vital role in the brand’s growth in Oman.” “We have identified a new generation of premium buyers and have positioned QX30 as a personalised premium option to suit a varied range of needs. The car is as much at home in the city as it is outside of urban environments, inspiring confidence with its ‘ready-to-goanywhere’ attitude,” he added.

As a member of the new premium family, the QX30 gives INFINITI a great platform from which to achieve its goals in key markets globally. It will be built at new manufacturing facilities in Sunderland, UK, becoming part of INFINITI’s first car production in Europe.

ATTRACTING A NEW TYPE OF PREMIUM CAR BUYER

INFINITI is targeting a new generation

of premium buyers with the new QX30. The premium crossover segment is currently among the fastest-expanding markets globally, and Generations X and Y will represent the majority of buyers in this segment by 2020. For them, the car is an expression of ‘self’ rather than ‘status’, and they remain open to new, category-defying concepts.

The QX30 will hold a unique position in the segment, bridging the gap between premium compact rivals and larger crossover models. Its crossover-style versatility extends from unique design appeal and a wide range of comfort, convenience, safety and dynamic features, including Intelligent All-wheel Drive. Its elevated ride height over the Q30 and high-stability drivetrain will give confidence to drivers.

This more purposeful, crossover-inspired execution has been achieved without the QX30 losing the premium look and feel that buyers expect of a car in this segment. It maintains its urban appeal, premium fit and finish and seamless integration of INFINITI’s highly expressive design – requisite elements required for the car to succeed in the premium arena.

CATEGORY-DEFYING DESIGN

The original QX30 concept, which made its international debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, combined the sleek lines of a coupe with the in-command stance of an all-wheel drive crossover. Consistent with INFINITI’s designled approach to product development, the production version of the QX30 maintains these characterful attributes.

The combination of a low-slung roofline, elevated stance and crossover appearance creates a striking visual impact. The versatile stance endows the QX30 with a ‘go-anywhere’ attitude, ready to take on all driving conditions – without compromising the highquality finish that buyers associate with premium rivals.

The QX30 stands 35mm higher than the Q30 Premium, and 55mm higher than Q30 Sport, with satin chrome roof rails fitted as standard for a more purposeful form and greater functionality. In addition, the QX30’s wheel arch cladding is 5mm wider than that on the Q30, adding to the premium active crossover’s purposeful appearance.

Like the Q30, the QX30 is characterised by dramatic curves and turbulent, sculpted character lines that make an emotional statement, evolving them into new dynamic shapes for a more purposeful appearance. The double-arch grille with three-dimensional mesh, for example, has been developed from its application on the Q30, drawing a flowing, fluid link to the headlamps for a more organic shape.

A VERSATILE ATTITUDE AND DRIVETRAIN TO DEAL WITH ANY CHALLENGE

The QX30 is engineered to deliver a confidence-inspiring, dynamic driving experience, aided by Intelligent Allwheel Drive.

Development of the QX30 started at the brand’s technical centre in Japan, before moving to Europe for final validation and testing. In total, over 750 INFINITI engineers in Japan and Europe were involved in the development and testing of the Q30 and the QX30 in a wide variety of roads and environments.

Compared to Q30, the QX30’s chassis has been adapted with its own unique settings for a comfortable ride and confident handling in spite of its elevated ride height and ground clearance. Development teams responsible for QX30’s ride and handling worked hard to ensure the car’s dynamic characteristics met with buyers’ expectations of a vehicle that has been engineered to bridge the gap between compacts and crossovers. Its springs and rear anti- roll bar are stiffer, continuing the engineers’ efforts to ensure a flat ride. While the slightly firmer suspension helps to counteract the dynamic effects of a higher centre of gravity, the modifications to the chassis enable QX30 to remain comfortable at all speeds and over a variety of road surfaces.

The QX30 comes equipped with an Intelligent All-wheel Drive system. The drivetrain is able to send up to 50% of the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle to maintain traction on slippery surfaces and in inclement weather, enhancing a feeling of control and confidence when driving. For example, if a wheel slip is detected by sensors, braking is applied to the slipping wheel, while torque is sent to the gripping wheel for additional stability. Combined with the elevated ground clearance, the QX30’s drivetrain is engineered to deal with all conditions.

Another standard feature is the availability of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission system. The dual-clutch intelligently preselects gears so the next shift is always ready to go, while manual mode lets the driver control gear changes when desired. Delivering seamless acceleration at any speed and in any gear, the application of torque is almost uninterrupted during gear changes, reducing lurching while in motion and between shifts.

The QX30 will be among the safest cars in its class owing to a range of active safety and hazard avoidance technologies that enhance the driving experience and provide maximum safety to all occupants. An Around View Monitor with moving object detection and automatic parking assistance makes the QX30 the easiest car to park in its segment.