Skip advert
Advertisement

New Infiniti QX30 2016 review

Infiniti wades into the crossover market, but is its first attempt at a chunky small car a winner?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Infiniti QX30
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The QX30 is the best car Infiniti makes – but unfortunately that’s not something we’d shout from the rooftops. As a distinctive and premium crossover the QX30 will certainly generate the interest Infiniti has long been searching for, but the price will be a sticking point for many. It’s comfortable and well kitted out but the slightly cramped interior could also deter buyers.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The easiest way to get noticed in the car world? Build a crossover. That's exactly what Infiniti has chosen to do with the new QX30. By adding rugged looks and an increased ride height to its Q30 hatchback, it's built a competitor to fight in the fastest growing car market across Europe.

Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota - a luxury branch of a volume manufacturer. It's still a relative minnow in Europe, but is massively popular in America - and the company hopes that by giving European buyers what they want, it can replicate some of that success over here. Though the QX30 is far from a fully fledged SUV, it's got plenty of compact crossover competition, including its sister car, the Mercedes GLA

While the QX30 might not look to everybody's taste, with its origami-style bodywork and bulky plastic wheelarch cladding, it's not a deal breaker. Just look at the Nissan Juke - divisive at first but now one of the segment's biggest sellers. It's just a shame the Infiniti's daring design hasn't translated to the interior, which by comparison seems pretty drab and characterless.

It’s not particularly spacious either. The 430-litre boot is 51 litres down on the GLA despite the two sharing the same platform. That plunging roofline steals some valuable headroom, too. Sitting in the back can feel a bit claustrophobic due to the small rear window and dark headlining. 

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Mokka

2021 Vauxhall

Mokka

60,150 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,990
View Mokka
Corolla

2022 Toyota

Corolla

27,606 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £15,849
View Corolla
C-HR

2022 Toyota

C-HR

44,759 milesAutomaticPetrol1.8L

Cash £15,500
View C-HR
Corsa

2021 Vauxhall

Corsa

33,783 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,495
View Corsa

Best crossovers

While there are various petrol and diesel engine options in the Q30 hatchback, Infiniti has made the choice in the QX30 rather simpler – as there’s only one 2.2-litre diesel on offer. The 168bhp four-cylinder unit is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. That makes it rather pricey, though, starting from £29,490 and rising to a substantial £33,370 for our top spec Premium Tech model. Spec for spec it’s around £2,000 more than the hatch. 

On the move, the most notable difference between the QX30 and its hatchback sibling is the more cushioned ride. The Q30 is far from uncomfortable, but the increased suspension travel on the crossover helps it deal with bigger undulations on the road. Having said that, hit an expansion joint or pothole at speed and the QX30 can’t quite shake it off without alerting the driver of its presence. 

Like you'll find in the standard Q30, the 2.2-litre diesel does sound a little uncivilized at idle, while there’s little enjoyment to be had in revving it out. That said, by 3,500rpm the engine has delivered near enough all it's got, so it is best to leave the smooth seven-speed auto to romp through the gears, using the 350Nm of torque to build momentum. 

For a tall and portly crossover, the QX30 doesn’t mind being hustled around, though. Despite the elevated stance, it resists body roll relatively well and the all-wheel drive system means you’re never short of grip. In fact, compared with the Mercedes GLA, the Infiniti feels more stable and engaging behind the wheel.

Given the inflated price tag, it's a relief to find there's no shortage of kit: a reversing camera, full leather interior, 18-inch alloys and sat-nav are all fitted as standard. However, at this price point it's difficult to ignore the fact you can have the (admittedly lesser equipped) more spacious, better refined and even plusher BMW X1

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,049 off RRP*Used from £14,995
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,766 off RRP*Used from £13,850
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £18,185Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,795
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X: which SUV is the perfect family EV?
Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X - front tracking

Skoda Enyaq vs Toyota bZ4X: which SUV is the perfect family EV?

Things don’t stand still in the world of EVs, and Skoda’s Enyaq and Toyota’s bZ4X have both been updated. We put them to the test...
Car group tests
13 Sep 2025
New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025