Skip advert
Advertisement

Infiniti Q30 review - Japanese premium compact takes on German rivals - Infiniti Q30 engine and gearbox

Not a car to make you grin on a twisty road, but ride and refinement are both Q30 trump cards

Evo rating
Price
from £20,550
  • Ride, distinctive styling, quality
  • Can feel sluggish, poor visibility, can't offer driving thrills

All four of the Q30’s engines displace four cylinders, and all four are cribbed from the Mercedes-Benz A-class with which the Infiniti shares its platform. There are two diesels – 1.5 and 2.1-litres in capacity (though Infiniti badges the latter a 2.2d), and 1.6 and 2-itre petrols.

Furthermore, the smaller pair of engines are available with both a six-speed manual gearbox and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the larger units are DCT only, with all-wheel drive optionally available. Those which drive only two wheels, like the A-class, drive the fronts.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Where the Infiniti gains over the A-class is in refinement, with each engine that little more hushed than its German counterpart; a blessing when the larger diesel in particular has a reputation for audible grumbling.

What the engines can’t do is fire the Q30 down the road in a particularly enthralling manner, even if overall performance is respectable in all. Refined travel is the order of the day here, and while no unit is class-leading in this respect (the 2-litre petrol can sound a little strained as the revs rise), they should suit the requirements of most customers.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025
Nissan GT-R 2025 – front
News

The Nissan GT-R has been updated yet again for 2025

The R35 Nissan GT-R refuses to die – this latest version gets engine enhancements and subtle cosmetic tweaks
15 Mar 2024
MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven
MST Mk1 Ford Escort
Reviews

MST Mk1 2024 review – £174,000 Ford Escort recreation driven

The MST Mk1 is a brand new, 50-year-old, road-going rally car. It looks the business, but does it deliver? Strap yourself in…
15 Mar 2024
Used car deals of the week
Main used car deals
Advice

Used car deals of the week

In this week's used car deals, we've sourced everything from the TVR Tuscan to the CLS63 Shooting Brake
15 Mar 2024