As alternative choices go, the model that heralds the serious arrival of Nissan‘s luxury arm in the UK is quite alternative.
The Infiniti EX30d is the second application of the 3.0-litre 238hp, after the larger and more expensive FX 4×4. Coming in three trim levels, the top specification GT Premium tested here is proving most popular among early customers.
While it tips comfortably over the £40,000 mark, the standard equipment list would shame many cars at double the price. The GT Premium gets a lane-departure system, intelligent cruise control, navigation and music-storage hard drive, and a clever multiple-camera system that displays a complete view of around the car on the navigation screen. The middling GT spec gets plenty of kit, too, such as 18-inch alloys, rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, memory electric leather front seats and Bluetooth.
Infiniti says buyers are either coming out of BMW 3-series coupes or Audi TTs because they need more space, or from larger 4x4s such as the Porsche Cayenne because they live in cities and need something smaller. Either way, the EX is a slightly different proposition to the more traditional 4×4 look practised by German rivals – in the shape of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 – or the Volvo XC60, which all have a significantly more upright and off-roader stance with greater ground clearance.
Those vehicles are also much more practical, enjoying at least 140 litres of boot space more than the EX’s 340 litres, while in the case of the Audi it’s a clear 200 litres more. Rear passenger space is also disappointing, with surprisingly little legroom given that the EX is longer than its competitors.
But that’s where the disappointments end. Front-seat passengers get to enjoy a lavishly appointed cabin that is a cut above rivals, and to drive, the EX offers pleasantly weighted and direct steering, good refinement, and plenty of chassis competence and control. It also rides well enough to be comfortable on lengthy journeys, and over several hundred miles we managed to comfortably beat the combined consumption figure of 33.2mpg despite mixed driving conditions.
The stumbling block with any brand trying to establish itself is running costs and RVs against very good competition with a long history. That’s something we can’t yet make a judgement on because KwikCarcost is still awaiting SMR data from Infiniti, but the equation will be interesting when it comes because while this car’s appeal is fairly niche now, given the 35% tax band in which it sits coupled with the £41,000 price tag, there’s plenty of promise that suggests Infiniti could be an appealing quality alternative as the product range develops.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
