A Premium Brand Japan Can Be Proud Of

Lexus is a premium car brand that Japan proudly offers to the world. 2015 marked the 10th anniversary of its introduction in Japan, celebrated with various events. The new "NX" and the fully redesigned "RX" kept the buzz going.

Did you know that another Japanese premium car brand was born in the same year, 1989, as Lexus? It was INFINITI. While it hasn't been introduced in Japan yet, it is undoubtedly a car brand that Japan can be proud of.

INFINITI has added yet another new model to its lineup. Its name is the "Q30." A concept car was unveiled in 2013, and the production model was revealed at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

So, what kind of model is the Q30? Before we delve into that, let's briefly discuss INFINITI's recent activities. The current INFINITI brand generates 150,000 sales annually. Its main market is the United States, accounting for two-thirds of its total sales. The rapid increase in sales in China is also noteworthy. Although currently just under 30,000 units annually, the year-on-year growth of 37 percent suggests a continued upward trend.

In response, INFINITI is enhancing its model lineup. Following the Q30 at this time, 2016 will see the introduction of the "QX30" and "Q60" (the equivalent of the Skyline Coupe), along with the development of its SUV lineup. This strategy is geared towards the American and Chinese markets.

Design That Evokes a Connection with the "Q50 (Skyline)"

Returning to the Q30, this car is being developed through a partnership with Daimler. As you know, Nissan and Daimler have had a technical alliance since 2010. Therefore, it is believed that the basic components and powertrain are shared with the Mercedes-Benz "A-Class." The slightly higher ride height also suggests commonality with the "GLA." The driving position is somewhat crossover-like. However, considering the upcoming addition of the "QX30," the Q30 can be considered distinct from an SUV.

Incidentally, the C-segment, to which this car belongs, is reportedly growing globally. With an average annual increase of 9.4 percent, it offers promising prospects. This is expected to further boost INFINITI's overall sales volume.

At the international test drive event for the Q30 held in Lisbon, Portugal, three models were available: a 2.2-liter diesel with a 7-speed DCT, a 1.5-liter diesel with a 6-speed manual transmission, and a 2.0-liter gasoline with a 7-speed DCT. Given the higher proportion of diesel vehicles in Europe, two diesel engines were selected for the test drives.

Its design is particularly distinctive, finished in a highly stylish manner. Despite being a C-segment five-door hatchback, it forms a sleek, flowing silhouette. While this is characteristic of recent INFINITI models, the overall cohesion is excellent. The signature INFINITI double-arch grille is also naturally integrated. A clear connection to the "Q50 (Skyline)" was evident.

Flawless Driving Performance

So, how does it drive? As can be inferred from the use of Daimler's hardware, which is already in production, the driving dynamics are highly refined. From the steering's precision and the suspension's grip in all conditions to the power delivery and robust torque in response to the accelerator, there is nothing to fault. Moreover, the quick-setting power steering, tuned specifically for INFINITI, provides the driver with a sense of pleasure. The honest impression is, "It's quite impressive."

The gasoline engine variant, particularly the "Q30 Sport," exhibits this characteristic even more strongly. The sport suspension enhances its sporty feel. Among C-segment vehicles, this driving performance can be considered top-tier.

However, Europe, as you know, has many cobblestone streets, making them somewhat challenging to navigate. Pitching occurs, so the ride comfort is not exactly superb. The 19-inch tires likely contribute to this, and this model might be sensitive to road conditions.

This is the first impression of the Q30, but its introduction to Japan is... undecided. INFINITI's brand strategy in Japan still seems to be in flux. Of course, there are likely hurdles to overcome, but personally, I hope they find a way to bring it here.