Infiniti

Q70

Boasting luxurious sports car technology, the M Series (now known as Q70) provides the perfect car for anyone who loves a touch of class in their lives. And there’s flexibility too with a choice of models and engine types to choose from.

Test Drive

Infiniti M37 S Premium (Now known as Q70)

With a design Infiniti claims is inspired by the forces of nature, the M37 boasts lines that have been styled to represent rolling waves – the result is an incredibly aerodynamic and sculptured saloon.

With its long-bonnet, 20-inch alloys, tinted windows, dynamic posture and muscular rear, this sports model is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it’s driven and it’s happy to be the centre of attention.

Once inside, it’s impossible not to be impressed with the level of comfort, volumes of space and sheer build quality within the cabin.

The black leather seats – heated, of course, offer excellent support and can be electrically adjusted 10 different ways with memory settings.

In fact, a driver’s personalised settings for climate control, steering wheel position, side mirrors, sat nav preferences and even audio is cleverly stored for future use.

The abundance of creature comforts is incredible with a 30GB hard drive sat nav, 3D touch screen display, a Bose sound system with 16 speakers, a highly advanced air con system with air purifier, front and rear double glazed windows and an electric glass sunroof.

There is easily room for five adults of the taller variety to sit comfortably in the back and storage will never be an issue either thanks to the generously-sized boot.

But dazzling looks and state-of-the-art technology aside, the real wow factor comes when you turn on the powerful 3.7-litre V6 petrol driven engine.

The Infiniti M is designed to deliver exhilarating power and performance and it does just that. In and around town it cruises effortlessly through the busy crowds turning heads as it passes.

The all-round visibility is excellent and a rear-view camera and sensors will make any novice look like a true professional when parking in tight spaces.

Then out on the faster roads, the Infiniti M really comes alive.

Acceleration through the seven-speed automatic transmission is smooth and very responsive as the car hugs tight bends for fun – even in wetter driving conditions.

There seems to be an endless supply of power at your disposal and the cabin noise is virtually non-existent.

Even on pothole-ridden roads, the ride was relatively smooth and comfortable.

As one would expect, Infiniti has packed a comprehensive list of safety features into the car, including intelligent cruise control, blind spot warning system, distance control assist, forward collision warning, numerous airbags, lane departure warning and intelligent brake assist.

All in all, the Infiniti M37 S Premium is a superb all-rounder that brings a real touch of class to the luxury car market.

Test Drive

Infiniti M35h GT Premium (Now known as Q70)

When Formula One racing star Sebastian Vettel gets out of a car and says: “I didn’t expect it to be that fast” then you know it has to be a little bit special. And the Infiniti M35h is certainly special in every way.

It is the company’s first venture into the hybrid market, but thanks to its 3.5-litre, V6 petrol engine combined with electric motor, the luxury four-door saloon can race from 0-62mpg in just 5.5 seconds – that’s faster than an Audi TT.

Yet despite these incredible performance credentials, the M35h is also Infiniti’s greenest model to date, boasting combined fuel economy of 40.4mpg with carbon emissions of just 162g/km.

First impressions are vital when attracting new buyers and the M35h looks great from all angles. It has eye-catching sleek lines and curves, smart light clusters, twin exhaust pipes, body-coloured door mirrors and smart alloys.

But, for me, it was the sheer quality of features and design inside the cabin that really impressed. No stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of luxurious comfort and technology.

For example, the premium leather seats can be electrically adjusted every which way. They have memory settings and can even be heated or cooled at the turn of a dial.

There is touch screen technology, a highly efficient sat nav system, a 16-speaker Bose audio system which is compatible with every modern day device, cruise control, a heated multi-function steering wheel, an air purifier built into the air con function, front and rear double glazed windows, an electric sunroof and a list that goes on and on.

All controls and dials are perfectly positioned in a very neat central console and the read-outs are both clear and precise in a 3D effect.

The cabin is light and airy and there is ample room for four adults to travel in absolute comfort – five at a slight squeeze. And storage shouldn’t pose any problems either as the relatively good-sized boot is complimented by a number of smaller storage options throughout the cabin.

The M35h offers a choice of four different driving modes depending on the conditions. There is Snow for the winter cold snap, Eco which can save a further 10 per cent on fuel efficiency, Standard for everyday driving and Sport for a more rigid and responsive driving experience.

It would seem the M35h has it all, but what about the performance itself?

Top marks once again to be fair.

In busy traffic, it was very nimble and easy to manoeuvre. And the front and rear parking sensors along with a rearview camera make you look like the complete professional when squeezing into tight parking spaces.

Then, out on the faster roads, the M35h offers incredible acceleration and power as and when required.

The road-holding was exceptional and cabin noise very quiet even at higher speeds on rougher road surfaces.

The seven-speed automatic transmission (with manual paddle shift option if required) is very smooth and the all-round handling hard to find fault with.

Infiniti has fitted a very comprehensive list of safety equipment to the M35h, including blind spot warning, lane departure prevention, intelligent brake assist and a pedestrian warning system.

Admittedly, the vehicle is not cheap – priced at £47,519 – but what price can be put on quality, safety, luxury and inspired performance these days.