Exterior design
The Infiniti QX30 is effectively a crossover version of the Q30 hatch and one point that perhaps many potential buyers don’t realise is that both cars are built in the UK, at Nissan’s gargantuan Sunderland plant. And both, in turn, share quite a lot of their DNA with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, despite the GLA being a direct rival to the Infiniti.
The Q30 hatch is one of the sharpest-looking Infiniti models, and turning it into a crossover works quite well. Dark body cladding along with the regulation front and rear skid plates produces a car with a sleek and purposeful profile compared to its rivals, even with a ride height raised by 30mm over the hatch.
Interior design
Inside the surroundings are, perhaps not quite as daring as the exterior, but still well thought out, lots of lines flowing together effectively and a solid effort made to produce a premium feel. To what level depends on which of the two trim levels one chooses, but can include the full recipe of soft-touch surfaces, wood and stitching.
Generally well-placed switchgear, meanwhile may in fact look familiar, especially if one has tried a Mercedes A-Class… Less impressive is the infotainment system – both touchscreen and dial controlled, it’s not very user-friendly, with lots of routines to work through.
One drawback of the QX30’s sleek looks is in interior space – matters are quite cosy in the rear, especially above one’s head. The 430-litre boot space is also significantly less than offered in the Mercedes GLA – though 10 litres more than Audi’s Q3.
Next page: Powertrain and drive experience
