The new Infiniti QX30 expertly blends the aesthetic of a sports coupe with the versatility of a compact crossover. Infiniti claims the QX30's dramatic exterior styling creates an effect "designed to look stretched over bone and muscle, rather than the straight 'mechanical' lines seen on rival models."
The QX30 rides on a chassis that was developed to maximize both ride comfort and handling. Front suspension is courtesy of a MacPherson strut setup with twin-tube shock absorbers. The rear features an independent multi-link. Anti-lock braking is handled by four-wheel discs.
The QX30 is available in four trims: base, Luxury, Premium and Sport. All are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, while Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is available on Luxury and Premium trims.
No QX30 is ill-equipped, and even the base model offers plenty of excitement. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, paddle shifters, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, HD radio and SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloth seating with 8-way manual adjustable driver's seat.
The Luxury trim adds Nappa leather seating with heated 8-way power adjustable front seats and 4-way lumbar adjustment. The QX30 Premium, meanwhile, includes chrome exterior accents, LED fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers with heated washers, a Bose 10-speaker sound system, and HomeLink Universal Transceiver.
Finally, the QX30 Sport comes with 19-inch wheels, special fascias front and rear, dual chrome exhaust tips, a gloss black grille, sport brakes with cross-drilled front rotors, and a lowered sport suspension. Inside there's a flat-bottom steering wheel, Dinamica sport seats, front and rear parking sensors and an Around View monitor.
Luxury and Premier trims equipped with all-wheel drive feature a 1.2-inch higher ride height, black side sills and roof rails.
Several options and packages can be equipped on the QX30. A panoramic moonroof is available on Premium and Sport trims, as well as enhanced LED interior ambient lighting. A Navigation Package with Infiniti InTouch navigation, voice recognition, and real-time traffic and weather updates is available on QX30 Premium, as is a Dark Wood trim package and a Technology Package that includes blind spot warning, lane departure warning, forward emergency braking, intelligent cruise control and more.
The Infiniti QX30 is an all-new compact 5-door crossover for 2017. The model features a highly sculpted exterior and asymmetric cabin design, with power coming from a 208-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, which is put to the front wheels through a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available, and fuel economy ratings for FWD models are rated at 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway. Pricing starts at $30,000.
The QX30 is an entirely new proposition from Infiniti. Its striking profile sets it apart from rivals such as the BMX X1 and Mercedes GLA, while its $30,000 entry price sets it apart from the more expensive NX 200t from Lexus. For buyers looking for small sedan athleticism and the practicality of a 5-door compact crossover, the new QX30 is well worth a look.
