Details of the new and updated Infiniti vehicles launching in Australia in 2016.
Q70 update â€" February
The updated Infiniti Q70 has been a long time coming for the local division. Originally unveiled in April 2014, the refreshed large luxury sedan was initially due to reach our shores by the third quarter of 2015, but will now arrive at the beginning of 2016.
The 2016 Q70 takes styling cues from the smaller Q50, gaining revised LED headlights and fog lights and a new mesh grille pattern, along with fresh tail-lights that adopt a unique LED signature, a flatter boot lid a slimmed-down rear bumper. Interior changes are limited to new trim colours and upholstery materials.
Infiniti claims the facelifted Q70 is quieter than before thanks to additional insulation materials, increased sealing, and stiffer wheels.
Four new technologies also joined the Q70’s safety and security suite as part of the 2014 update: Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Around View Monitor, and Backup Collision Intervention.
Q30 â€" Q3
The Infiniti Q30 will land in local showrooms in the third quarter of 2016 and is expected to shoot straight to the top of the brand’s sales charts.
The premium small hatch shares much with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class on which it’s based, including its basic underpinnings, engines and transmissions, and a number of interior components, giving the new model a sense of familiarity.
Two engines will be offered locally from launch: a 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol and a 125kW/350Nm 2.2-litre diesel. Both will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Pricing should start around $35,000, putting it head to head with the A-Class, Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Lexus CT200h, Mini Clubman and Volvo V40.
QX30 â€" Q3
Infiniti will double its assault on the premium small sector when it launches the QX30 crossover in the third quarter of 2016, around the same time as the Q30 hatchback.
The QX30 shares much with the Q30, and together the duo borrows much from the Mercedes-Benz GLA and A-Class, including their major mechanicals: 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, 125kW/350Nm 2.2-litre diesel, and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Available all-wheel drive, hard-wearing plastics and metal scuff plates promise at least a modicum of off-road ability, though the QX30 will be much more at home in the city alongside $40,000-$55,000 rivals such as the GLA, Audi Q3, BMW 1 Series, Lexus NX and the Volvo V40 Cross Country.
Q50 update â€" second half
The Infiniti Q50 will debut a new twin-turbocharged V6 and score a dynamic overhaul when the updated premium mid-sized sedan goes on sale in the second half of 2016.
The new 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 will be available in two performance levels: an entry version with 224kW and 400Nm, and a high-output version making a meatier 298kW and 475Nm.
The 2016 Infiniti Q50 will introduce the company’s second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering system. It claims the new digital steering system has been “comprehensively modified†to deliver enhanced levels of steering feel and feedback, and even more personalisation options.
Infiniti Q50 Sport models will also get the brand’s Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS), which is said to offer class-leading agility and response and enhanced ride comfort over the regular suspension.
Q60 â€" Q4
Infiniti Australia will finish the year with a bang by unleashing the all-new Q60 coupe just in time for Christmas.
While it’s still to be officially unveiled, revealing spy shots captured in November uncovered the final exterior design of the mid-sized two-door, which will become the most aggressively styled and sportiest model the Japanese brand’s line-up.
The hero in the Q60 range will feature Infiniti’s new twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 with 298kW of power and 475Nm of torque.
Such a model would make it a worthy rival for the Audi RS5, BMW M4, Lexus RC F and Mercedes-AMG C63, while regular Q60 variants will compete with the likes of the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, Lexus RC and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.
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