What's the news?
Infiniti has announced that the Q50 range will start at £27,950 when it goes on sale later this year. Three trim levels - SE, Premium and Sport - are available with 2.2-litre diesel and 3.5-litre petrol V6 hybrid engine options.
Even the entry-level SE model comes with plenty of equipment. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps and 'Scratch-shield' paint that automatically repairs minor scratches. On the inside there's dual-zone climate control, a customisable LCD touch-screen in the centre console and a six-speaker sound system. Upgrading to the Premium grade costs £2,400 and adds heated leather seats plus a choice of interior trim finishes including Kacchu aluminium or Maplewood.
Sports models feature some visual changes with a different front bumper design, LED headlamps and 19-inch triple spoke alloy wheels. The power-adjustable seats are of a firmer, more supportive design and the steering column is power adjustable. A 'world first' on the Q50 Sport model is Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), which allows steering response and weight to be adjusted to suit driver preference and the type of driving. DAS also incorporates Active Lane Control designed to reduce the driver input necessary to stay in lane on the motorway. Prices for the Sport start at £32,720.
Anything else?
Infiniti claims that the hybrid Q50 will do 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. Sports suspension and brakes are standard on the hybrid as well, which is also fitted with an external noise system to warn pedestrians of the car's approach when running in full electric mode.
John Lambert - 23 Jul 2013