The Infiniti Q30 is a rare kind of car. Not only can we not tell if it's a crossover or a hatchback, but it's also been engineered almost entirely by another company. Thanks to the limited resources of the Japanese brand, Mercedes was tasked with this compact, resulting in the doppelganger effect.
The Q30 is related to the GLA-Class in most ways. However, today we are going to take a look at the Sport model, which rides lower and features different trim. The 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine is from Daimler, and so are the 7-speed DCT gearbox and all-wheel drive system. As a result, the Q30 moves a lot like the GLA 220 d.
Most people agree that the exterior styling is better, but only from the front. The back still has that hunched look most cars of this type boast. The idea is not just to have an entry-level car that's cheap to buy and boosts sales, but also to gain the hearts of customers in the UK and Australia, where Infiniti has struggled.
So it's got plenty of dramatic curves, creases, and a complex grille that seems to be pulled off the Q50. However, the interior is a less fortunate affair. There isn't a customer out there who can afford the Q30 and won't notice the Mercedes screens. Even the key fog is the same as every other Merc made in the past decade.
As we've mentioned already, the engines are the same as on the GLA. The model in these videos, shot by Test Drive Freak, is a 170 PS diesel with 350 Nm of torque. That's not too great, particularly when you can buy a Peugeot with 180 PS and 400 Nm that displaces 2.0 instead of 2.2 liters. The 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds isn't too great, but that's mainly due to the weight of the car (1.6 tons). The top gasoline version is lighter and over 1-second faster.
Don't go looking for any great deals either, as the Sport model costs aver €8,000 extra. With this engine and AWD, you're looking at 39,000 euros in Germany. Ouch!
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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