INFINITI ploughs a lonely path as one of the two luxury Japanese brands taking on the might of the German premium brands.

Alongside Lexus, it offers a small but growing stable of six models that will forever be compared with the market leaders.

And now it has a petrol variant of one of those models that might just provide the impetus it needs to establish itself on the world stage.

The Q50 has been around since last year and it’s a fine looking beast in a corner of the market that’s crowded with sober saloons. Until now, though, there have only been two power options – diesel or the petrol-electric hybrid – so Infiniti has added a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s more refined than the diesel and cheaper than the hybrid.

Its lower fuel economy and higher emissions mean that it’s not aimed at company car users. This is the model that will be bought by private buyers who like a touch of class in the shape of a silkier-running engine. With its sleek body and impressive curves, there’s a lot to like when you first set eyes on the Q50. Add to the mix the headlights inspired by birds of prey and you are left thinking that this is an executive car with more verve and style than its rivals.

Taking a leaf out of the Lexus book, Infiniti is also promising – and delivering – on customer experience to woo newcomers to the brand. Infiniti, owned by Nissan, is still an unknown entity to many drivers and that remains a large barrier to sales progress.

But let’s have a closer look at what the Q50 has to offer....

A 500-litre boot is plenty big enough for office paraphernalia, weekends away or case-laden holiday trips, stretching way into the car before it meets the rear seat backs. There are storage solutions in the cabin, with a big glove box and a central storage bin to swallow loads of bits and pieces. Four adults will all find plenty of space.

The interior quality is very impressive. It both looks and feels better than the cabins of German saloons. Only the Jaguar XF presses more buttons for me with its sense of theatre.

While an output in excess of 200bhp isn’t enough to hustle the Q50’s near-1700kg kerb weight forwards with any real vigour, a consistent wedge of torque makes it easy to stroke the car along. Infiniti is sticking by its controversial ‘steer-by-wire’ system that allows the steering responses to be usefully speeded up and slowed down, but it doesn’t feel particularly natural when loaded up in brisk cornering.

It’s not the quietest petrol engine under power, and nor is the automatic gearbox the slickest or fastest-responding, but the two work very well together to create a relaxed atmosphere that will suit plenty of drivers if they give it a chance. This model’s suspension will be a little too firm for some.

Now for the punchline...

Looking at the standard kit list the Q50 2.0t Sport packs in a barely-believable amount of equipment for its price. It’s exceptional value, and comes in at several thousands of pounds less than some of its rivals.

For around £34,000 you get a treasure chest of technology, leather heated seats with power front seats adjustment and tin touchscreens that bring the satellite navigation, audio system and climate control into view.

Infiniti can’t match the class leaders for fuel efficiency, but running costs should be in the mix with its competitors, and are perfectly palatable.

For now, Infiniti’s main customers are those who are actively seeking something different to the norm, or to what they’re used to. Older drivers looking for reliability, exceptional customer service, luxury features and refinement will find very little to dislike.

And you will be a member of a rather exclusive club.

At a glance...

Infiniti Q50 2.0t Sport

Price: from £34,125

Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, producing 211PS

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic driving the rear wheels

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 7.2 seconds; top speed 152mph

Economy: 43.5mpg combined

CO2 emissions: 151g/km