Infiniti updates Q70 and introduced entry-level diesel engine

2014-09-18 05:59:14

Ahead of its European debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, Infiniti has released details of its updated Q70 saloon. Formerly known in the UK as the Infiniti M, the car has received a raft of exterior changes which have helped bring its Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class competitor into line with the smaller Q50.

The bumpers at both ends have been re-profiled with sharper angles. At the front, the headlamps have gained standard-fit LEDs which sandwich the grille which itself has been redesigned to be more representative of the family look with a chrome surround and a crosshatch centre.

Refinement has been further improved too, with more robust sound-deadening materials being incorporated to help reduce road, wind and engine noise from entering the cabin.

The ride has been improved with the adoption of the telescoping dampers which help to iron out lumps and bumps from the ride. Infiniti says that the suspension modifications “minimise initial impacts over road imperfections”. The suspension has been mated to new 18-inch alloy wheels which are now standard across the range.

Commensurate with its executive car pretensions, smartphone connectivity has been added, as has an Around View Monitor that provides a 360-degree view around the car to help improve vision in tight spaces. It’s a very similar system to the one adopted by parent company Nissan on its Qashqai SUV. A smattering of 12V outlets have also been placed across the cabin and in the boot to help ensure that various items of technology can be charged.

Two engines will be available to buyers. The entry-level unit is a 164bhp 4-cylinder 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel unit with standard-fit stop/start. It offers 295lb ft of pulling power which is available from just 1,600rpm. As a result it is likely to be the best-selling derivative across Europe and is intended to take on the ubiquitous BMW 520d or Mercedes E220 BlueTEC.

The alternative is a 3.5-litre petrol V6 mated to an electric motor which is capable of travelling in pure electric mode thanks to its ability to disengage the engine via a dual clutch system. Its ability to run on pure electric power alone has been increased courtesy of new software and clever technology. This should help reduce running costs, especially in town.

No prices have yet been confirmed, but to keep its hitherto sluggish sales of the Q70 more competitive, the Infiniti is likely to start from between £35,000 and £40,000 as the company continues its aim of becoming more recognised in the market place. The car is already available in the US and the first UK deliveries are expected to start in December.

This is an abridged article especially prepared by First4Auto on behalf of EcoCars4Sale. 

Reported By 

Andrew Merritt-Morling 

Chief Editor