Infiniti QX30 2016 review
Content
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10
- How practical is the interior space? 6/10
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
- What is it like to drive? 7/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 6/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10
- Verdict
- Do you think the QX30 is more like the competition? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Tim Robson road tests and reviews the 2016 Infiniti QX30 at its Australian launch with performance, fuel economy and verdict.
There is no doubt that the compact crossover segment is a vital place for any automaker. Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, is no different, and thanks to the decision of its Japanese craftsmen, the diminutive premium brand will go from no players to a team in just a few months.
The architecturally identical front-wheel-drive Q30 launched just a month ago in three flavors, and now it's the all-wheel-drive QX30's turn to hit the field.
But are there enough differences between them to consider them different cars? Does this add additional complexity to a potential Infiniti buyer? As it turns out, the differences go far beyond the skin.
| Infiniti QX30 2016: GT 2.0T | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 2.0 L turbo |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 6.9l / 100km |
| Landing | 5 Places |
| Price from | $21,400 |
Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10
The QX30 is one of the first projects to come from a technology partnership between parent company Mercedes-Benz and the Nissan-Renault alliance.
The QX30 feels more lively and attractive thanks to its unique spring and damper setup.
In a sign of how mundane the automotive industry is becoming, the QX30 is built at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the UK using the German Mercedes-Benz A-Class platform and powertrains, all under Sino-French ownership through the Nissan-Renault alliance.
On the outside, the design, first seen on the Q30, is pretty unique. It's not the thin, deep-lined side crease that Infiniti says is an industry first in terms of manufacturing sophistication.
When it comes to differences between the two cars, they are minimal at best. Height increased by 35 mm (30 mm due to higher springs and 5 mm due to roof rails), an additional 10 mm in width and additional lining on the front and rear bumpers. Aside from the all-wheel drive base, that's pretty much all about the exterior.
The same black plastic fenders found on the Q30 are also found on the QX30 with 18-inch wheels on both the base GT model and the other Premium variant.
The QX30 is also exactly the same size as the Mercedes-Benz GLA, with the long front overhang serving as the main visual link between the two cars.
How practical is the interior space? 6/10
The QX30 is obviously very similar to the Q30 in many ways, but the interior is slightly different, with larger, less comfortable seats up front and slightly higher in the back.
The cabin is also brighter thanks to a lighter color palette.
There are plenty of neat inclusions, including a couple of USB ports, plenty of door storage, space for six bottles, and a roomy glove box.
A pair of cup holders are located at the front, as well as a pair in the fold-down armrest at the back.
However, there isn't a particularly logical place to store smartphones, and the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is due to Infiniti opting for its own phone connectivity kit.
A decent 430 liters of luggage space behind the rear seats contrasts with cramped rear space for all but the smallest passengers, while sharp rear door openings make getting in and out difficult.
There are also two ISOFIX child seat attachment points and a 12V socket on the back.
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
The QX30 will be offered in two variants; the base GT model will cost $48,900 plus road expenses, while the Premium will cost $56,900.
Both are equipped with the same engine; 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz and also used on the Q30 and Merc GLA.
Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on both cars, while an electronic handbrake, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, a 7.0-inch multimedia screen and a full set of LED lights all around are also fitted to both variants.
Unfortunately, the QX30 GT lacks a rearview camera altogether, a fate it shares with the Q30 GT.
Infiniti Cars Australia told us that this was an oversight at a time when the cars were being developed for Australia, especially in light of the other technologies the car will receive such as automatic emergency braking.
The company says it is hard at work adding a rear-view camera to the GT.
The top-of-the-line Premium trim gets leather upholstery, a power driver's seat and additional safety equipment such as a 360-degree camera and cruise control with radar and brake assist.
The only additional option for each car is metallic paint.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10
Both machines use only one engine; 155-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 350 kW/2.0 Nm from Q30 and A-Class.
It is supported by a seven-speed transmission and is connected to an all-wheel drive system that is geared towards a front-wheel drive configuration.
From Mercedes-Benz, up to 50 percent of the torque can be sent to the rear wheels, according to Infiniti.
How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
Infiniti claims a combined fuel economy figure of 8.9L/100km for the 1576kg QX30 in both variants; this is 0.5 liters more than the Q30 version.
Our short test came up with 11.2 l / 100 km for 150 km.
What is it like to drive? 7/10
Again, it would be easy to think that the QX30 would feel pretty much the same as its lower-riding sibling, but that would be wrong. We criticized the Q30 for being too buttoned up and unresponsive, but the QX30 feels more lively and engaging thanks to its unique spring and damper setup.
Despite being 30mm taller than the Q, the QX doesn't feel that way at all, with a soft, pleasant ride, good body roll control and competent steering.
Our front-seat passenger complained that he felt a bit "squeezed", which is a valid comment. The sides of the car are very high and the roofline is rather low, exacerbated by the steep slope of the windshield.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine runs smooth and punchy, and the gearbox suits it well, but it lacks sonic character. Luckily, the QX30 does an excellent job of cutting down on noise before it hits the cabin and then…
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
4 years / 100,000 km
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 6/10
The QX30 gets seven airbags, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning and a pop-up hood as standard.
However, the base GT lacks a rear-view camera.
The Premium model also offers a 360-degree camera, blind spot warning, radar cruise control and brake assist, traffic sign detection, reversing traffic detection and lane departure warning.
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10
The Q30 is offered with a four-year 100,000 km warranty and service is offered every 12 months or 25,000 km.
Infiniti offers a fixed three-year service schedule, with the GT and Premium averaging $541 for the three services provided.
Verdict
While nearly identical to the Q30, the QX30 differs enough in suspension setup and cabin ambiance to be considered different.
However, Infiniti unfortunately overlooks the base GT's ditching basic safety features like a reversing camera (which Infiniti says we're working on).
Do you think the QX30 is more like the competition? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
