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Friday, January 17, 2014
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Welcome to the driver’s seat
This h new Q50 llooks k great, has a wonderful interior, power to spare and solid handling dynamics. Zack Spencer
Visit the Q50 photo gallery at DrivewayBC.ca
2014 Infiniti Q50 challenges the old order Infiniti has had a bit of an identity crisis over the past year with a wholesale change in the way it names its products. Gone is the JX crossover, it’s called the QX60 now and the G 37 sedan has been replaced with the Q50 sedan. Q signifies for cars and QX for crossovers or SUVs. The outgoing G37 was already a very worthy on-road performer but a bit too simplistic in the inside. Now, Infiniti has taken things up a notch with the Q50, adding a dynamic look, sumptuous interior and class leading technology. Looks It could be argued that the current BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class are a bit conservative, while this Q50 and the major competitor, Lexus IS, are much edgier. This is especially true with the front grille. The rest of the Q50 is nicely sculpted, with flowing lines and an almost elegant rear end. Sold as a base model, sport trim, all wheel drive (AWD), premium, and even a hybrid, there is a broad market for this sedan. Starting at $37,500 and ramping up to the AWD sport model at $49,950, there is a substantial discount with the Q50 when you compare it to a similarly equipped BMW. The base model comes with 17-inch wheels but most of the higher trim levels are equipped with 19-inch wheels. The car seen here is the AWD premium model starting at $43,400. Inside The Q50 centre console is very attractive with two screens placed for radio functions and the second for the
navigation ($1,400 option) opt for the AWD model, and backup camera. The which is a good choice way the lower screen is due to the higher level incorporated is first rate; of interior amenities. it looks like a high quality In addition, the Q50 is iPad that sits flush with the first car to have a the dash, while the higher steer-by-wire system screen is recessed for easier that is customizable and use in bright light. this system is optional Direct Adaptive The only problem with on the AWD models and Steering has its this system is the time it standard on the sport takes to boot-up when critics but for me, the versions of the Q50. you start the car over 30 Direct Adaptive Steering Q50 feels like it is seconds to access the radio has its critics but for an extension of the and other features. Most me, the Q50 feels like driver. people will buy the sport it is an extension of the model ($47,495) or the driver, moving through Zack Spencer premium trim ($43,400) to corners with ease and get heated leather seats, comfort with just the Bose stereo, backup camera with slightest movement of the steering around view cameras, and power tilt wheel. Handling is enhanced thanks to and telescopic steering to name a few a stiffer chassis and the rear suspenadditional features. The base model is sion has been adjusted. a price leader but expect to buy the The downside to equipping the Q50 premium model or above to get the with a V6 is the amount of fuel it car well equipped. In comparison, the burns in comparison to the turbo $53,800, 300hp BMW 335iS AWD is 4-cylinder offerings from the German much more expensive than many of the competition. Rated at 11.1L/100km in top Q50 trim levels. the city and 7.3L on the highway for the AWD equipped model. There is a Drive hybrid version available that drops the The latest trend is to include a turboconsumption down to 7.0L/100km in charged 4-cylinder engine as the base the city and 5.0L on the highway but power plant in most German compact it is a premium offering with a starting luxury sedans. This Q50 is bucking the price of $47,000. trend and sticking with the 3.7L V6
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they had in the previous G37 with a powerful and smooth 328hp. The transmission is a 7-speed automatic that puts the power to either the rear wheels, or all wheels, depending on the trim selected. Most Canadians will
Verdict The benchmark in the premium compact sedan market has been the BMW 3 Series but the gap is narrowing. This new Q50 looks great, has a wonderful interior, power to spare and solid
handling dynamics. On price, the BMW 328i AWD is the closest and starts at $46,200 but is equipped with a 241hp 4-cylinder. The direct competitor on power is the much more expensive 335is AWD. The Lexus IS350 AWD is another premium offering from Japan, and it starts at a very competitive $44,000. As much as the Japanese automakers like to challenge the German makers, they really end up competing with each other. Yes, this is a worthy car but the one thing you cannot factor into the buying decision is the badge appeal that storied brands like Mercedes, BMW and Audi provide.
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Safety Tip: When extreme winter road conditions hit, it’s a good idea to think about whether you even need to get behind the wheel. If you have the option, consider public transit or carpool with some who has a vehicle prepared for the conditions. Also consider leaving for work just a little later to allow crews to clear the roads.
Find more online at The Lowdown Power: 3.7L V6 with 328hp Fill-up: 11.1L/7.3L/100km (city/highway) Sticker price: $37,500-$47,950
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zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca
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