Skip advert
Advertisement

Infiniti Q30 2.2 diesel 2016 review

The new premium hatch is built in Britain, so we see if it makes sense on our roads

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

Find your Infiniti Q30
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Hassle-free way to a brand new car
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Customers got an average £1000 more vs part exchange quotes
Advertisement

The new Infiniti Q30 can’t match competitors such as the Audi A3 for quality, driving dynamics or low emissions, but it’s certainly worth a second look. The bold styling allows it to stand out from the crowd, while a supple ride and decent refinement make it extremely easy to live with. This all-wheel-drive model is expensive to buy, but the lower-specification, two-wheel-drive SE and Premium versions are cheaper and represent decent value.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Infiniti’s currently a bit player in the UK, but it’s hoping to hit the big time with its latest arrival, the Q30. Pitched squarely at the lucrative premium compact hatch class, the newcomer aims to blend style, quality and low running costs into one desirable, British-built package.

Yet while this is Infiniti’s first attempt at a family hatch, it won’t be a complete leap into the unknown. That’s because the Q30 uses Mercedes A-Class underpinnings. We’ve tried the car on European roads, but now we’ve driven a 2.2d Premium Tech AWD DCT to see how it measures up in the UK.

While the Q30 is a Mercedes under the skin, externally it’s pure Infiniti. Featuring a bold mix of curves and creases, plus a subtly raised height, it looks like nothing else in the class. Its daring design won’t be to all tastes, but it attracts plenty of attention.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Mercedes A 200d 2015 review

Inside, the Q30 is far more conventional, and it doesn’t take long before you spot the Mercedes hand-me-downs. The steering wheel, dials, ventilation controls and minor switchgear are all A-Class, as is the key. And while most materials are of a high quality, the cabin doesn’t look or feel as upmarket as an Audi A3’s. Still, there’s decent space and a roomy 430-litre luggage area.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Mercedes’ help extends to the use of its tried-and-tested 2.1-litre diesel. Excellent insulation and sound-cancellation software that uses the car’s stereo speakers mean the four-cylinder unit is subdued at idle and doesn’t intrude when extended. 

With 168bhp on tap, performance is brisk (Infiniti claims 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds), but the Q30 trails rivals such as the BMW 120d. However, the combination of 350Nm of torque and a seamless seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox (a first for Infiniti) means the newcomer covers ground deceptively fast.

Best hatchbacks to buy

Even so, this refined car is at its best when taking it easy. The suspension has been tuned for comfort, so the Q30 does a good job of soaking up bumps, with only the occasional pothole upsetting its composure. Wind and road noise is well suppressed, too, while the engine settles down to a barely audible hum at a cruise.

The Q30 also makes a decent fist of corners. Its steering lacks any real feel, but it’s precise and the Infiniti clings on gamely through bends, thanks in part to this model’s electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system. It’s not as engaging as a BMW 1 Series, but it’s composed and capable.

At £31,180, our Premium Tech trim test car isn’t cheap, while its CO2 emissions trail those of the class leaders. On the plus side, it’s well equipped; you get powered and heated seats, climate control, lane-departure warning and a reversing camera as standard. Opt for the two-wheel-drive version to save £1,550 and cut CO2 emissions to 116g/km.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New 2024 Cupra Formentor gets fresh look and power boosts to keep hot streak going
Cupra Formentor facelift 2024 - front
News

New 2024 Cupra Formentor gets fresh look and power boosts to keep hot streak going

Cupra’s sporty SUV now produces up to 328bhp, while plug-in hybrid boasts 62-mile EV range
30 Apr 2024
New Kia Picanto facelift is still one of the cheapest cars on sale
Kia Picanto facelift - front
News

New Kia Picanto facelift is still one of the cheapest cars on sale

The facelifted Kia Picanto city car has arrived and starts at £15,595
1 May 2024
Car Deal of the Day: only £120 a month to put a Suzuki Swift on your driveway
Suzuki Swift - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: only £120 a month to put a Suzuki Swift on your driveway

The latest Suzuki Swift offers generous standard kit along with impressive fuel economy; it’s our deal of the day for 29 April at £120 per month
29 Apr 2024