Infiniti Q50 2.0t completes range

Infiniti has rounded out the line-up of its mid-size Q50 sedan range, with the launch of three 2.0t turbo-petrol variants.

The trio completes the local Q50 showroom and provides the fledgling luxury brand models to compete directly with the volume turbocharged four-cylinder entry-level variants from key marques such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.

Priced from $50,900, the Q50 2.0t line-up features a Mercedes-Benz sourced 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre direct-injected DOHC four-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled petrol engine matched to a conventional seven-speed automatic gearbox.

The powertrain is for all intents and purposes shared with Mercedes-Benz's latest C-Class fours. It features auto-stop start and according to Infiniti returns 7.3L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle.

That's where the parts sharing finishes, however. The Q50 is crafted on Infiniti/Nissan's own platform which is unusual in the size segment for featuring double wishbone front suspension. The model line-up is also famous for introducing an electronic steer-by-wire system on selected models, a world first for the marque.

Matching the 2.2d turbo-diesel Q50 line-up introduced earlier this year, the $50,900 entry grade 2.0t GT arrives $1000 cheaper than its oiler counterpart. Similarly, the mid-grade S 2.0t is priced at $56,900 and top of the range S Premium is $60,500.

All 2.0t variants are rear-drive.

The Q50 range as a whole is topped off by the all-wheel drive 3.5h S Premium V6 petrol hybrid priced at $73,900.

All prices are plus on road cost, however, between the 2.0t's October 1 official on-sale date and the end of 2014, the GT variant will be available at "promotional estimated drive-away price" of $55,900 inclusive of four years' or 80,000km scheduled servicing.

Standard equipment and interior finish levels correspond with the cars' 2.2d counterparts. The base grade GT features 17-inch alloys, leather seat facings, heated and electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats, Infiniti InTouch satnav and app-based infotainment system, digital radio, smart start and keyless entry.

GT buyers can also specify the optional 'Enhancement Pack' ($3000) which adds sunroof and 18-inch alloys.

The mid-grade S adds 18-inch alloys to the standard specification along with sports body enhancements, gearshift paddles and an uprated 14-speaker BOSE audio system.

Key mechanical S grade changes include the adoption of Q50's unique Direct-Adaptive Steering (DAS) system with Active Lane Control — a quasi autonomous driving mode that uses a camera based system to keep the car in its lane.

The base GT features conventional mechanical steering.

Buyers of the 2.0t S Premium get the full force of Infiniti's active safety suite. Along with 19-inch alloys, the equipment list adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance and autonomous braking, lane departure and blind spot warning and prevention systems, plus a Back-up Collision Intervention system that combines a rear cross traffic alert with autonomous rearwards braking.

Auto dipping headlamps and an around view monitor with 'Moving Object Detection' are also on the S Premium's standard equipment list.

The Q50 2.0t arrives Down Under just a month ahead of the marque's first local stand-alone Managing Director, Frenchman Jean-Philippe Roux. Formerly Regional Director, Infiniti South Europe, Roux assumes his new post on November 1.

Roux will report to Infiniti's new regional head, Director Asia and Oceania, Dane Fisher. Hong Kong-based Fisher was on hand for the Q50 2.0t's local launch.

Roux's appointment marks the first time since the brand's debut in Australia in September in 2012 that the Australian operation has not reported through Nissan Australia.

Nissan Australia CEO and Managing Director, Richard Emery, told motoring.com.au that the changes are a demonstration of the company's commitment to long-term growth.

"The 2.0t is about the end of the first phase for Infiniti in Australia and coincides with some important decisions we have taken about how we will run Infiniti Down Under," Emery told motoring.com.au.

"Together with Infiniti headquarters, we've put in place the management structure, the support mechanisms and expertise for the long-term future of this brand," he stated.