2017 Infiniti QX30: Throwing the Gauntlet Down
Every car manufacturer is betting on the small crossover segment. Odds are it will pay off, unless the second coming of the station wagon occurs but sadly, we all know that this will never happen.
With that in mind, carmakers are building compact utility vehicles that combine a versatile cabin, some capability and loads of technology. So far, this recipe is killing it; think of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA. The latter is an important element in the QX30’s existence as they share a number of components. The GLA is not our favourite crossover and we’re itching to find out if the Infiniti has enough Japanese DNA in it for clear differentiation.
We’re headed to the West Coast this week—Seattle, Washington, to be precise—in order to find out.
That being said, know that a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine motivates the 2017 Infiniti QX30. Its mill is shared with the revised, base Q50 sedan and puts out 208 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The QX30 will principally be a front-drive vehicle with AWD as an option. In either case, a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission will manage power transfer duties.
If anything, the 2017 Infiniti QX30 is a handsome little vehicle. Its deep sculpted lines, wide haunches and sharp fasciae are all selling points. The cabin looks impressively well put together and its contents are packed with technology.
If all goes to plan for Infiniti, the gauntlet will officially be thrown with the new QX30.