What's all this about?
Infiniti has overhauled the BMW 5 Series-rivalling Q70 saloon, with a new, smaller diesel engine, some equipment enhancements and a lower entry price point (thanks to that diesel).
Hang on - Q70? Why isn't that ringing any bells with me?
Ah, it was once known as the M, with the M30d the model that's gone. In line with all other Infinitis getting Q-badging, the Q70 name came into being earlier this year. We'd forgive you for not noticing, though, given Infinitis are, er... rare sights on the roads.
OK, so what does this one offer that should make me seek out my nearest Infiniti showroom?
A Mercedes-sourced 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, as used in the smaller Q50, replaces the old 3.0 V6 diesel, giving us the Q70 2.2d. This car, equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard, emits 129g/km CO2 and makes 170hp and 400Nm of torque. As the entry-level Premium trim (no, we don't understand it being called that either), it'll be available from £32,650. For that, you get LED headlights, a front grille with chrome highlights, a rear-view camera, parking sensors all round, Connectivit+ satellite navigation, 18-inch wheels, ventilated leather seats and more. Generous spec.
What else loiters within the Q70 range?
Further trim levels are Sport, Premium Tech and Sport Tech (the Tech cars boast Dynamic Safety Shield, which packages adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention and blind-spot intervention, and a 16-speaker Bose premium surround sound and the Around-View Monitor). Further options are the 3.7-litre V6 (320hp/360Nm), an Infiniti staple, and the Q70 Hybrid, which pairs a 3.5-litre petrol V6 with electric power to produce 364hp and 546Nm, with figures of 145g/km and 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds. All Q70s have been subtly redesigned, with the updated cars premiered at the Paris Show in October.
When can I order?
The new Q70s will be 'in the Infiniti network' from January 2015.
Matt Robinson - 22 Dec 2014
