Infiniti Q50 2.2D Auto Premium

There's a sense that this is the car that Infiniti has been slowly edging towards since its first products appeared in the UK a few years ago.

The Japanese firm is going up against some of the toughest opposition in the car market in the mighty shapes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes, who dominate the European premium car market almost completely.

The Q50 is the tool with which Infiniti wants to give the big Germans a poking on their home turf.

It’s sharply styled and easy on the eye. In fact, it's attractive enough to cause my other half, who is normally quite blasé about the succession of latest motors that arrive on our driveway, to comment.

It's strikingly different to what’s already out there, sized as it is between BMW’s 3 Series and 5 Series, and the performance saloon equivalent of a sharp Saville Row suit.

The interior design is inviting, too, with a large centre console giving a snug, comfortable feel to a cabin that isn’t as open and spacious-seeming as some thanks to a windscreen and A-pillar that sit closer to the occupants than in rival cars.

The console itself is dominated by two vertically stacked large touchscreens; the top one recessed slightly into the surface and tasked with displaying the navigation system readout and visuals from the manoeuvring cameras (front and rear).

Audio is provided by a six-speaker system featuring a single CD player, Bluetooth streaming, USB/iPod connectivity and voice-operated control. For the musical perfectionist an advanced Bose system with DAB radio can be chosen from one of the many available options. In other words, it's got the lot.

The lower screen, mounted flush with the console and topped with a smooth, glossy plastic cover, is effectively the touch-screen control panel via which the driver can adjust the myriad settings and personalisation options. It’s quick to respond to touch and offers a clear, crisp app-style layout that anyone with a smartphone should feel at home with.

A big central bin houses two 12-volt power outlets, two USB ports, a 3.5mm jack and even a ‘video in’ socket to pipe pictures to the top screen.

The diesel version of the Q50 employs Mercedes’ 2,143cc four-cylinder engine, which cruises effortlessly but has too much tell-tale clatter and shudder at standstill.

Priced at £27,950, the SE version comes with a high level of standard equipment including 17-inch alloy wheels and run-flat tyres. LED lighting is used in the rear light units, the front fog lights and the turn indicators integrated into the door mirrors, which are also heated and colour coded. Scratch-shield paint is used to ensure unwanted minor scratches simply disappear, whilst chrome-trimmed twin exhaust pipes and halogen daytime running lights enhance the car’s sporting presence.

The ideal temperature inside is carefully maintained by a dual-zone adaptive climate control system which features auto recirculation for when the outside air may not be quite so clean and a filter to purify the air that does get through.

The rear seats feature a 60/40 split and a ski hatch (not on Hybrid) to allow for any additional storage capacity requirements. A multi-function leather-bound steering wheel and stylish front aluminium door sill protectors are included.

Technology is naturally high on the agenda with standard fitment of cruise control, speed limiter, stop start, hill start assist, rear view camera, rain sensing wipers and keyless entry. Safety systems include vehicle dynamic control, including active trace and traction control, tyre pressure warning and brake assist.

Moving up a step is the Premium grade, which adds £2,400 to the price of the Q50 2.2-litre diesel SE, for a total of £30,350. The additional cost provides leather-trimmed seats, available in three colour choices: Graphite, Stone or Wheat. Both front seats also come with heated backrests and cushions. An automatic dimming rear view mirror is also included. Premium grade comes with a choice of interior trim ranging from the technical look of Kacchu aluminium to the more luxury appeal of Maplewood.

Starting at £32,720 (plus £2370 over the Premium) the Sport grade adds a more aggressive look with a different design to the front bumper section. Further differentiating the Sport model from SE and Premium Q50s are distinctive LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights and larger 19-inch triple-spoke lightweight alloy wheels, also with run-flat tyres.

The performance Hybrid Q50 is fitted with a 3.5-litre V6 engine capable of delivering 0-62mph acceleration in 5.1 seconds. Sports suspension, regenerative braking and sports brakes are all standard. To warn pedestrians when the car is moving at slow speeds while in full electric mode, an external noise system is fitted.

If you're beginning come to the conclusion that the clever people at Infiniti have thought of everything, then you'd be right. The youngest of the premium car manufacturers might be about to come of age.

At a glance

Infiniti Q50 2.2D Auto Premium

Price: £31,900 (Q50 range from £27,950)

Engine: Four-cylinder diesel, 2,143cc, developing 170PS

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic driving rear wheels

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 8.5 seconds; top speed 143mph

Economy: 58.9mpg combined

CO2 emissions: 124g/km