Infiniti QX30 2.0T AWD Premium 2016 Review

What’s it all about?
The British-built QX30 compact SUV is the higher-riding, all-wheel drive version of Infiniti’s new Q30 hatch.

Taller (+35mm) and wider (+10mm) than its derivative, the QX30 is otherwise identical, but offers only the 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission combination. The 2.1-litre turbo-diesel of the Q30 isn’t available in conjunction with all-wheel drive. The QX30 also misses out on the Q30’s smaller (and cheaper) 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine.

Like the Q30, the QX30 is based on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class platform, and like that model the QX30 aims to serve as an entry point to the prestige marque, and is priced and specified accordingly.

The two-model QX30 range begins at $48,900 (plus ORCs) for the entry-spec 2.0T AWD GT, topping out from $56,900 (plus ORCs) for the 2.0T AWD Premium tested here. Metallic paint is a $1200 option, and is payable for all hues bar Black Obsidian.

Range highlights include a 10-speaker BOSE audio system, 7.0-inch InTouch infotainment system with sat-nav and autonomous emergency braking. The high-spec variant adds a 360-degree camera, leather upholstery, park assist, adaptive cruise control and a fixed glass panoramic roof.

Infiniti passenger cars are backed by a four-year / 100,000km warranty. Service intervals are pegged at 12 months or 25,000km (whichever comes first). Capped-price servicing is offered for eight years or 80,000km and roadside assistance is included for the duration of the warranty period.

If you’re moving up to a prestige model, or downsizing from your current, larger luxury car, the QX30 is a great place to start.

Offering most of the flair and functionality of traditional prestige models, but with the funky-styling and flexibility of a small SUV, the QX30 will challenge the value offered by many of its (European) competitors, not least of all for its lengthy standard equipment list.

On road, however, it’s less than perfect. Low-speed engine response is lazy; the transmission also taking time to react. The ride is firmer than expected, especially given the QX30’s additional suspension travel, while driver ergonomics are less than perfect. The relationship between the seat and pedal box is a tad awkward and headroom a little tight.

The experience improves on the open road where the QX30 feels more responsive and comfortable. The gearbox feels better tuned to highway running, shifting decisively and using seventh (top) gear to improve economy at every opportunity. Engine response is far livelier at higher speeds, too, with impressive overtaking ability on offer from most points above 75km/h.

The Q30 and QX30 ranges have been on sale locally since September 2016.

Available nationally the pair offers multiple engine and output options, and the choice of two and all-wheel drive as noted earlier.

Depending on your taste, the Q30 and QX30 span a price range from $38,990 for the Q30 GT through to $56,900 for the flagship 2.0T AWD Premium tested here. Most amenity and convenience features are available, including heated leather upholstery, keyless entry (but without push-button ignition), satellite navigation and adaptive cruise control.

The Q30 range (and by extension the QX30) receives a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Smaller in stature, but with modest soft-road capabilities (think gravel, snow, etc.), the QX30 should appeal most to adventurous younger buyers or active downsizers. But with a smaller back seat the QX30 is less ideal for families with lanky high school-age children, or those contemplating extended road trips with adult friends. Think little kids or shorter trips with grown-ups.

On the plus side it’s got enough tech to satisfy your inner geek, highlights including auto high-beam, dusk-sensing LED headlights, active noise cancelling, blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, parking assist, lane-departure warning, voice control, sat-nav… the list goes on and on.

It’s also a car those with an eye for detail will enjoy. The use of quality materials and excellent fit and finish throughout are highpoints; the lustrous paint and unique body styling another nod to Infiniti’s precision build techniques. We especially love the shapely rear-end treatment and crescent-cut C-pillars, even if they do cut into rear three-quarter visibility.

Like the Audi Q2 and Q3, BMW X1, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (on which the QX30 is based), MINI Countryman and Range Rover Evoque, the Infiniti QX30 is a compact SUV aimed at attracting first-time buyers to prestige brands.

Sitting in the VFACTS Small SUV over $40K category, the QX30 could also be considered a City Car, its spacious front seats, commanding ride height and generous cargo bay (430 litres) a seemly fit for the urban jungle.

So, what do we think?
The QX30 certainly makes a stylish statement, especially in a sea of traditionally-shaped small SUVs. It’s different enough to stand out from the crowd, and offers a lot of equipment for the money when viewed against its European rivals.

But the around-town driving experience is not as polished as it could be, and rear-seat legroom is a letdown. Depending on where you’ll do most of your driving, and who you’ll have on board, these are issues you may wish to consider on your test drive.

Price: $56,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 155kW/350Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 6.9L/100km (ADR Combined) | 8.4L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 159g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP* (based on Q30)

Also consider:
>> Audi Q2 (from $41,100 plus ORCs)
>> Lexus NX (from $53,550 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (from $42,900 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
>> 2016 Infiniti QX30 Australian Launch Review