The recently introduced Infiniti Q50 2.0t adds a new entry-level dimension to the brand’s growing line-up of premium sedans. Watch out, Ingolstadt, Stuttgart and Munich!
There are many good reasons why South African executives buy German sedans. Among others, they’re great cars with great pedigrees and have extensive dealer and parts backup in this country. But are these reasons (and our often blind brand loyalty) still reason enough to shrug our shoulders at the rising premium brands from the East?
As relative newcomers to the market, Infiniti still has some work to do to win over the hearts and minds of South African car buyers. Not work to their cars, however, as is exhibited by the Q50 sedan which is technically as good as any other premium brand, nor to their pedigree (they have been making luxury automobiles for 25 years), and certainly not to their available local backup, considering Nissan’s extensive local support system extends to the four Infiniti Centres that have already opened. Two more will follow in 2015/'16.
Considering also that the car itself is a work of surprising detail – as is plain in the build quality, the ride and handling, interior, and brisk performance of the Mercedes-Benz-sourced 2.0 litre turbo powerplant – we’re fast running out of reasons why the Q50 shouldn’t be on every exec’s shopping list.
This powerful and economical new turbocharged engine adds more choice to the powertrain options available in the range. The modern, lightweight, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit develops 155 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque (that’s usable from a low 1,250 r/min), sending drive to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The result of a deal between Renault/Nissan and Daimler (Infiniti execs seem to avoid using the Mercedes’ name when referring to their partnership), the powerplant uses Euro 5 certified technology and has been tuned by Infiniti engineers for service in the Q50.
With quite inspiring throttle response, the 2.0 litre direct injection petrol engine joins the 2.2 litre direct injection turbodiesel, and the high-performance 3.5 litre V6-hybrid powertrain in the brand’s compact sedan line-up.The introduction of the 2.0 litre turbo not only adds an engine option to the line-up, it also adds dimension to the brand’s local offering. While it is no mean feat for such a comparatively small brand to offer such a choice of engines, Infiniti means to double the number of available powertrains and increase its mode range by 60 % over the next five years.
The Q50 is available in two specification levels, Premium and Sport, with the former beginning at R430,000. For this amount, a host of features are standard, including performance and comfort features. Stop/start engine management with drive mode selector lets you choose between fuel-saving driving or a more spirited performance. Halogen headlights, parking sensors and a rear view camera also enhance the driving experience, while the raft of interior add-ons includes an Infiniti Touch infotainment system, a multi-function steering wheel, leather upholstery with heated front seats, dual touch screens with Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control. The standard spec also includes keyless entry, a tyre pressure warning system, and rain sensing wipers.
At R477,000 the Sport derivative also gets some external cosmetic enhancements, including 18” triple spoke alloy wheels with run flat tyres (not our favourite in a South African context), LED headlights with daytime running lights and welcome lighting. A power-adjusted steering wheel, sporty electrically operated front seats that link to Infiniti’s intelligent key system, and aluminium trim enhancements also get the nod.
Not to be outdone by the Germans, Infiniti does offer several additional enhancements to personalise your Q50 experience, but conveniently group these together in five “packs” of optional equipment. Just about anything can be added, from adaptive steering and active lane-keeping assistance in the “Steering” pack (standard on the Sport model or an additional R12,000 for the Premium), to intelligent cruise control with lane departure prevention, predictive forward collision warning and reverse collision intervention as part of the “Safety Shield” pack that retails for R27,000. If you require navigation and a rather fancy Bose sound system with 14 speakers, the “Multimedia” pack can be had for an additional R30,800.
All Q50 models benefit from a five-year/100,000 km maintenance plan and a three-year/100,000 km warranty, which does kick some dust in the face of its German rivals who offer less attractive assurances.
With the compact premium sedan playing field widening every day, Infiniti is clearly positioning itself to grab some market share from competitor brands. With its rear-wheel drive layout, premium look and feel (both inside and out) and serious value for money offering, the Q50 2.0 litre petrol is a serious car to watch, and an even more serious one to consider buying.
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