As my time in the Infiniti Q30 nears a close, I’ve become disillusioned with it. It’s tech-heavy, we’ve established that in previous reports, but at well over £30k, it should have all the bells and whistles included. I recently noticed the price of the car we’re testing has risen by £850, to £34,350, in the six months since it joined our fleet.
Infiniti UK tells us that the mark-up is connected with tax, and increases in the costs of options and the vehicle itself. Either way, for that price I’d expect more. For instance, I’d like a wider range of adjustment in the driver’s seat. Being long of body, I have to slouch to avoid brushing my hair on the roof. It’s a surprise, too, that there’s no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto yet. They’ll likely come on the facelifted version in 2019.
A powered tailgate, although not common on hatches, would be nice, given the raised ride. Lower-spec Toyotas get inductive smartphone charging but the Infiniti doesn’t. The Vauxhall Astra even gets Wi-Fi and the Lexus CT200 has a push-button start and privacy glass as standard. Does the Q30? Does it heck.
Despite the Q30 being one of the safest cars on the road according to Euro NCAP’s ratings, an equivalent to Vauxhall’s OnStar crash and breakdown response system wouldn’t go amiss. Instead, there’s an infotainment system described by a colleague as “a bit Windows 98”.
Perhaps that I’m pampered, but if your hatchback costs a grand short of an entry-level BMW 5 Series, there’s a level of equipment you expect. Despite the Q30’s decent refinement and other charms, in terms of kit I’ve found little that’s above average in terms of convenience that isn’t an optional extra. That’s a bit upsetting.
INFINITI Q30 2.2D DCT PREMIUM TECH INTOUCH
Price £31,700 Price as tested £34,350 Economy 38.2mpg Faults None Expenses None Mileage 8103
PREVIOUS REPORTS
In a cabin filled with Alcantara, wood and leather, the Infiniti Q30’s cheap-looking plastic B-pillar trim sticks out, especially when the seatbelt buckle clashes against it as you turn to leave. Perhaps that’s why sales are slow: no matter how refined it is during a test drive, the last few seconds — the bit you’ll remember — might be the worst part of your trip.
PREVIOUS REPORTS
The Q30 is loaded with technology. When parking, there are all-round sensors, a reversing camera and a surround-view monitor to make it pretty easy to slip into a tight spot in a multi-storey.
It’s just as well, because the car’s Intelligent Park Assist can be a liability. In the right circumstances, when parallel parking, it’s a dream. You spot a space, indicate and the system takes over. All you have to do is brake when necessary and make sure you don’t run anyone over.
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looks
great and the interior is nice. it's just the reviews that say it's poor car in those respects that matter to us ride handling steering overall refinement of engine and gearbox.
Wouldn't the dining table and chairs...
...have fitted in just the van, thus obviating the need for two vehicles altogether?
Nope.
Too many chairs.
It's the Mercedes system and
It's the Mercedes system and after using it in a GLA I'd agree that it's not very intelligent but it still expects a driver to operate a significant amount of control and intelligence.