Road test: Infiniti Q50 2.2D

Cars fitted with “start-stop” technology are commonplace now and they make sense in London, “killing” the engine in traffic jams.

It cuts the noise for nearby residents, saves fuel and reduces emissions. But by how much? That’s the handy thing about the Infiniti Q50 diesel; each time it cuts out, a digital readout in between the speedo and rev-counter tells you.

As I trickled through London it said I was saving in the order of 2.8 kgs each time the engine fell silent. The on-board computer also claimed that on a round trip to Bristol from south London (about 260 miles), the 2.2-litre saloon averaged nearly 46mpg and — if the fuel gauge was to be believed — it used just under half a tankful of the stuff. Not too bad.

It’s a refined car, rather in the mould of the BMW 3-Series, but without being as much fun to drive as its German rival, despite also being rear-wheel drive. For £27,950 you get striking, swoopy lines not entirely dissimilar at a glance from that BMW from the rear, although more rakish from the front, and boasting a nicely finished cabin with high-tech-looking touchscreens for infotainment and other settings.

Accommodation in the back seats is, however, merely adequate, with too little knee room. The diesel (a hybrid version is available too) is not the most refined but at motorway cruising speeds it’s silent, and indeed this is where the car performs best; you could drive this one, in comfort, all day. In town, the ride quality is good but the turning circle feels slightly wide and the steering sometimes over-light.

On open roads under acceleration, the optional seven-speed auto gearbox is smooth but not especially responsive.

Infiniti Q50 2.2D
Top speed: 143mph; 0-62mph: 8.5 secs;
MPG: 58.9 (claimed);
CO2: 124 g/km;
Price: from £27,950