New Infiniti on block
INFINITI, a Nissan subsidiary, this week launched yet another model in their range of luxury vehicles in Cape Town. Two models are available, the Premium (from R430000) and the Sport (from R477000).
A few months back we tested the Infiniti Q50 V6 Hybrid and came away impressed with this new brand. Now the new kid on the block has a smaller engine and cheaper sibling that lives up to expectations. This model is powered by a Mercedes-Benz turbo two- litre petrol engine tweaked via the engine management system by the boffins at Infiniti.
The modern, lightweight four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine develops 155kW of power and 350Nm of torque, sending drive to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.
An early useable torque delivery begins at just 1250rpm. Manufactured with the latest fuel-efficient, Euro 5-certified technology for an engaging throttle response, the 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine joins the 2.2-litre direct injection turbo-diesel engine, and the celebrated high-performance 3.5-litre V6-hybrid powertrain.
The short test-drive started at Steenberg wine farm and stopped for lunch at the award-winning Overture restaurant at the Hidden Valley wine estate before returning.
We would perhaps have liked a route where the handling and general dynamics could be tested more comprehensively, although this small taste was enough to whet the appetite for a longer drive in future.
The vehicle can be personalised with a range of standalone (costly) options including a sunroof, 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels and navigation system.
There are also five different option packs:
1. Multimedia pack – R30800: Navigation system, advanced Bose audio, 14 speakers.
2. Welcome pack (standard on Sport and Hybrid models) – R21 800: Tyre pressure monitoring with individual display, power and heated door mirrors, intelligent key with smart access and enhanced memory, welcome lighting, powered adjustment for rake and reach on steering column, powered front seat adjustment with memory and powered lumbar support for the driver.
3. Visibility pack – R20310: Adaptive front lighting, smart beam and around view monitor with moving object detection.
4. Steering Pack (standard on Hybrid Sport models) – R12000: Direct adaptive steering and active lane control.
5. Safety Shield pack – R27000: Intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning and lane departure prevention, blind spot warning and blind spot intervention, forward emergency braking, predictive forward collision warning, distance control assist and back-up collision intervention.
Summing up: The new Infiniti is a good vehicle that will appeal to a niche market, however, being a new brand it is going to require getting bums into seats to convince buyers just how good the car really is. - Bobby Cheetham
