Infiniti Q30 long-term test review: a case of identity theft?
The difference two weeks makes? It can totally alter your view
Should you be considering an Infiniti, I’d recommend asking your dealer to lend you a test car for a few days rather than just going for a short drive around the block.
I was recently immersed in our Q30 for a solid fortnight, during which time my views on the car flip-flopped between underwhelmed, downright baff led and actually quite impressed.
My first impressions were not positive. Granted, I’d jumped straight out of a silken Jaguar XF V6 diesel worth twice the price, but the Q30 felt disappointingly unrefined for a car with pretensions of fighting the Audi A3. Upon start-up and under acceleration, the 2.2-litre diesel engine chattered away brashly
and the car’s ride felt about as uncharitable as a US border guard.
I was also surprised by how much of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (upon which the Q30 is based)
is still evident in the cabin. I’d assumed Infiniti would go to greater lengths to disguise it, but there’s no mistaking those origins, not least the instrument screen graphics and much of the switchgear. Heck, even the locking wheel nut bears a three-pointed star.
It’s all distinctly Germanic in
its origin and quality, so that, at least, is a positive attribute, but the overall impression is one of a lack of a cohesive look and feel. The identity crisis is a shame, because I admire the Q30’s bold exterior looks.
As those initial niggles ebbed away, what became clear is that the Q30 is a thoroughly solid car. Late one night, I forewent my dull M3 motorway commute home and chose instead to take some flowing country roads and even found myself enjoying what is undoubtedly a keen- handling chassis. Infiniti’s challenge is to convince car shoppers, short on time and perhaps patience, to give it a chance. That’s an uphill job, but I won’t be sniffy about nabbing our Q30 in the future, even if the car’s stubby black key looks identical to a Merc one...
TEST DATA
Price £31,700 Price as tested £33,500 Economy 43.4mpg Faults None Expenses Replacement front tyre and fitting £166.99
I’ve been a fan of the Q30’s styling since I first saw it, but during a recent visit to a Mazda dealership,
I realised why: it has an apparent twin in the shape of the Mazda 3. The similarities have already been noted in passing but were emphasised by the two cars wearing identical paint schemes. What my photo doesn’t show is that the rear of the Q30 has a more muscular look than the 3.
Mileage 2780
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/our-cars/infiniti-q30-long-term-test-review-case-identity-theft
