Infiniti Q30 review

In dark colours, you could mistake the Infiniti Q30 for looking almost ordinary – black paint hides the flurry of swoops and ripples in its bodywork. In light metallic colours, though, the Q30’s panels don’t look like they’ve been forged from metal, but silk blowing in the wind – there’s not a straight line anywhere. If you’re familiar with Infiniti – and there’s no reason why you should be, since the brand only sold cars in the UK from 2008 to 2020 – you’ll recognise the Q30’s big sculpted mouth, which is common across the brand’s entire range of new models.

For all its distinctive looks and mould-breaking elevated body, the Infiniti Q30 feels conventional to drive. It’s meant to be a plusher alternative to other premium hatches, ones that spend a little too much time pretending to be sporty. Yet the Q30 doesn’t necessarily stand out. 

There are upsides to its taller posture that win back some points. You sit higher than most other cars on the road, which creates a feeling of security.  

The Q30 doesn’t tip or roll around through corners – it feels stable and agile. It’s a merry companion on most journeys, even if it isn’t too different from a regular hatchback. 

There are downsides to the Infiniti Q30’s ever bending body lines – wind noise is noticeably higher than it is in cars with fewer scallops and bulges in their bodywork, and it’s not too easy to see out of. The decreasing window height makes the back seats feel dark and there are better cars for rearward visibility. When you’re trying to park, taking things slower might be necessary in the Infiniti Q30. 

A smaller proportion of glass means there’s more interior on display. In the Q30, that’s no bad thing. With beautifully stitched leather, a satin sheen to the metals and shiny piano black surfaces, it’s a lavish place to behold. It feels it too, thanks to plush seats that can be perfectly adjusted to support your body and legs. This is a wonderfully relaxing and comfortable place to be – perfect for long journeys. 

The Q30 isn’t bristling with technology, unlike the bigger and more expensive cars in the Infiniti range. Still, air-conditioning, a touchscreen and an impressive sound system are standard across all Q30s. Despite looking like a sat-nav, the infotainment screen doesn’t always include navigation – that was an expensive optional extra when new, so be sure to check. 

It’s not a spacious car, the Infiniti Q30. Headroom for all occupants - both the front and rear passengers - is limited. Plus, you won’t find any extra storage spaces beyond the regular glove box, small centre cubby and door bins. It’s the price you pay for wild exterior looks and a luxurious rather than a practical cabin. 

All is not lost, however. The Q30’s boot is substantial, big enough for pushchairs or a few big suitcases. Plus, the sloping angle of the hatch’s opening creates a usefully large and deep space for you to lean into the boot and gain access. 

Start poking around the Infiniti Q30 really closely and you’ll find components, engines and trim from a variety of other manufacturers – Renault, Nissan and Mercedes-Benz. 

That’s no bad thing – all of those brands make well-built reliable cars. It does mean the Q30 falls into the more pricey, premium car bracket when it comes to part replacements and servicing. For this reason, it’s certainly more of a Mercedes than a Renault for running costs. Fuel consumption is more in line with a hatchback, so expect to see between 35 and 45mpg for all models, which is on par with similarly sized cars. 

There are elements of the Q30’s exterior that are more like art than car design – there are curves and cuts all over it. It really does make most other modern cars look stark and utilitarian, and it outshines the sombre hatchbacks that this Infiniti calls its rivals. The Q30 is for someone who wants to carve their own path and really stand out.