Item: Infiniti QX30
Rating: 2
Author: What Car? Team

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

Opt for lower-priced Premium spec and the QX30 is competitively priced against most rivals, given the decent equipment list. Sat-nav, the important connectivity functions, rear parking sensors, auto lights and wipers, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, 18in alloys and contrast roof rails are all standard. Stepping up to Premium Tech does bring LED headlights, leather upholstery, electric seat adjustment and keyless entry, but frustratingly you’ll still have to get your keys out to start the car and it comes with some questionable-looking wooden interior trim inserts as well as a substantial price jump.

However, while the list price isn’t too bad on Premium QX30 models, the resale values are difficult to predict. Infiniti is quite a new brand to the UK and it’s still establishing itself, so it’s fair to expect that values on the used market won’t be as good as those for the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, and they’ll likely be much less than the ever in-demand Range Rover Evoque.

<img alt="" src="http://whatcar.media/jpg/50/0/0/640/480/0/0/0/0/aspectfit/0/0/0/0/0/0/images/uploads/inline/b86e9da48760a07a8e4a9d8ef28681c8f56bb0b7.jpg" />

CO2 emissions are fairly good given the all-wheel drive and automatic gearbox, so company car users can expect decent monthly tax payments. However, that’s only true for those business users set on a high-end, all-wheel drive compact SUV, since many rivals offer front-wheel drive, more efficient versions of their classy soft-roaders, which will be cheaper and will make a lot more sense for those paying on company car tax.

Safety equipment is very good, with lane-assist, emergency city braking and seven airbags included. The hatchback equivalent of the QX30, the Q30 (which is the same body and platform without raised suspension), achieved five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.

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Infiniti only offers the QX30 with a 2.1-litre diesel engine and a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It’s a decent combination that delivers flexible response and reasonable performance to satisfy in all sorts of traffic manoeuvres, although the gearbox is quite slow to kick down and can also be slow in up shifts.

The QX30 has fairly long suspension travel and a soft set-up, so it’s no surprise that it leans quite a bit through corners. It’ll also lose traction at the front wheels through fast, tight corners a bit earlier than most rivals despite the standard four-wheel drive, although most of the time it feels responsive and grippy enough. The heavy steering also feels pretty artificial, but it is weighted progressively enough to give you confidence. Just don’t expect the QX30 to handle with the same hatchback-like verve as the Audi Q3 or BMW X1, or even the Range Rover Evoque.

<img alt="" src="http://whatcar.media/jpg/50/0/0/640/480/0/0/0/0/aspectfit/0/0/0/0/0/0/images/uploads/inline/aba50d2357219f949e85cb38b0a9cb23b89bb04c.jpg" />

Ride comfort, particularly at higher speeds, is very good on the QX30; it’s very settled and relaxing on the motorway. It’s not too bad around town, either, although you do get a fair amount of heave over bigger bumps and it shudders heavily over sharp-edged intrusions.

Refinement is also good, with engine noise particularly well suppressed when it’s in the mid-rev range. The diesel engine does get quite gritty-sounding when it revs hard, though, and wind and particularly tyre noise become quite noticeable at motorway speeds.

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The Infiniti QX30 is a small, upmarket SUV produced by Nissan’s premium brand. It’s only available with a 2.1-litre diesel engine, a seven-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive.

It’s competitively priced against similarly high-spec rivals like the <a href="http://https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q3/estate/review/?aq=audi%20%20q3&amp;amp;type=review&amp;amp;src=searchdropdown&amp;amp;oq=audi%2520q3">Audi Q3</a>, <a href="http://https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gla-class/hatchback/review/">Mercedes GLA</a>, <a href="http://https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x1/estate/review/">BMW X1</a> and <a href="http://https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-evoque/4x4/review/">Range Rover Evoque</a>.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5pEM8Tsx2Ng"></iframe>

The combination of the diesel engine and automatic transmission generally works well, but the gearbox can occasionally be slow to change down or up. The QX30 is softly set up, too, and leans quite a lot in bends, and its steering is quite heavy; it certainly doesn't handle as well as most of its rivals. On top of that, visibility is poor and the rear space is very cramped.

The lower-priced Premium trim is well equipped and is the better buy of the two, but there's a question mark over the QX30's future residual values - it certainly won't hold on to its value as well as its upmarket rivals from Audi and BMW.

However, it rides well, and it's quiet once on the move. It’s just a shame that lower-powered and cheaper front-wheel drive models are not offered, and its cramped rear passenger space means it’s not very practical by any normal SUV standard.

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The Infiniti QX30 is likeable, and some buyers will be swayed by the standout looks. However, it’s not very practical, and it doesn’t make enough financial sense

The driver is pretty well catered for behind the wheel of a QX30. There’s plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel, so it should suit most shapes and sizes, while the Premium Tech model has electric front seats that have lots of movement in them, too.

Furthermore, the pedals are lined up nicely with the driver’s seat, so you aren’t forced to sit at a funny angle for long periods.

Interior quality is mixed, with the upper part of the dash and door trims looking and feeling impressive with their leather-covered and piano black surfaces. Elsewhere, though, the plastics lower down aren't as convincing, and the QX30's switchgear feels a little cheap next to the class best.

There are only two trim levels offered on the QX30, and both come with a 7.0in touchscreen that can also be controlled via rotary controller (the latter method being the easier). Sat-nav, DAB, Bluetooth and two USB inputs are standard fit, but the sat-nav graphics are a bit grainy and old-school looking, and it’s sometimes difficult to figure out how to do fairly simple processes, like loading a radio station list.

<img alt="" src="http://whatcar.media/jpg/50/0/0/640/480/0/0/0/0/aspectfit/0/0/0/0/0/0/images/uploads/inline/d4d0638d817385117e7c3d10dc65e0516a140bac.jpg" />

Visibility in the QX30 is about as bad as it gets in this class. The front pillars are very raked back and often cause big blind spots at junctions, while the funky-looking but very thick rear pillars and narrow rear windscreen make for a limited view out to the back.

At least rear-parking sensors are standard, although you have to go for expensive Premium Tech to get a reversing camera and to be able to add blind spot warning.

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Hatchback

Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota: the premium arm of a mainstream car maker.

Infiniti’s current model range includes the Q30 hatchback, Q50 executive saloon and Q60 coupé, all of which go head to head with cars from the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. There’s also the QX30, a small SUV.

The brand has so far struggled to make a big impact on British buyers due to high prices, but most of the time that’s partially offset by a long list of standard equipment.

Future plans include a new range of electric vehicles and a smart petrol engine that is said to offer diesel-like fuel economy.

INFINITI

QX30

The Infiniti QX30 is likeable, and some buyers will be swayed by the standout looks. However, it’s not very practical, and it doesn’t make enough financial sense

The QX30's front passengers have little to complain about. There's lots of leg room if they need it, and even the very tall won't find themselves in too close proximity to the ceiling.

There's less good news in the back. Even average-sized adults will feel quite cramped, with their knees virtually touching the front seat backs, and the lowering roofline close enough to make it feel slightly claustrophobic. To sit three adults side-by-side is outright uncomfortable, and the middle passenger has a backrest and raised floor to contend with. You also don’t get a centre rear armrest or ski hatch on the Premium trim, and they can’t be added as options.

<img alt="" src="http://whatcar.media/jpg/50/0/0/640/480/0/0/0/0/aspectfit/0/0/0/0/0/0/images/uploads/inline/1ea41b8c3763f8e56896bb7b7d438d3f7daa7ae9.jpg" />

The QX30's boot is more impressive. It holds its own versus the main competition for overall size, and its square shape means there are no awkward intrusions to consider. Conveniently, the 60/40 split rear seats fold almost flat quite easily, but there’s none of the versatility or useful utilitarian touches that often appeal in the SUV classes, such as the BMW X1’s 40/20/40 split rear seats with optional sliding function.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.

As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.

The Seat Ateca and&nbsp;Skoda Karoq should definitely be on your shortlist. But if you have a bit more to spend,&nbsp;the Range Rover Evoque is another strong option. If money is a concern, then the Dacia Duster provides comfortable, spacious and well-equipped transportation for an affordable price.

&nbsp;

Family SUV

Infiniti QX30 review

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Review of Infiniti QX30 interior by the expert What Car? team. Compare in car entertainment system, driving comfort and visibility with similar cars.

The driver is pretty well catered for behind the wheel of a QX30. There’s plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel, so it should suit most shapes and sizes, while the Premium Tech model has electric front seats that have lots of movement in them, too.,Furthermore, the pedals are lined up nicely with the driver’s seat, so you aren’t forced to sit at a funny angle for long periods.,Interior quality is mixed, with the upper part of the dash and door trims looking and feeling impressive with their leather-covered and piano black surfaces. Elsewhere, though, the plastics lower down aren't as convincing, and the QX30's switchgear feels a little cheap next to the class best.There are only two trim levels offered on the QX30, and both come with a 7.0in touchscreen that can also be controlled via rotary controller (the latter method being the easier). Sat-nav, DAB, Bluetooth and two USB inputs are standard fit, but the sat-nav graphics are a bit grainy and old-school looking, and it’s sometimes difficult to figure out how to do fairly simple processes, like loading a radio station list.,Visibility in the QX30 is about as bad as it gets in this class. The front pillars are very raked back and often cause big blind spots at junctions, while the funky-looking but very thick rear pillars and narrow rear windscreen make for a limited view out to the back.,At least rear-parking sensors are standard, although you have to go for expensive Premium Tech to get a reversing camera and to be able to add blind spot warning. 

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