What’s new
Japanese premium brand Infiniti is moving into mainstream territory for the first time in the UK with the Mercedes-sourced 2.2-litre diesel in the Q50, its new upper medium executive rival to the BMW 3-series.
Excellent
Emissions of 114g/km for this manual diesel are impressive and beat most rivals, if you ignore BMW’s 320d ED at 109g/km.
Good
The Q50 will certainly enjoy the benefit of being low-volume in terms of appealing as something different to the big-selling German trio of BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-class. Its sporty, low looks are a particular strength.
Average
Refinement isn’t up with the requirements on a premium brand, and the infotainment system could be more responsive to touch.
Poor
Residual values can’t match the German players, and nor can the driving experience.
Verdict
The Q50 is priced to meet some of the best cars in the market head-on, and it’s not quite up to the task in terms of whole-life costs or driving experience, though the efficiency is good.
