Infiniti Q30 Diesel 1.5T Premium (A) Review
04 Nov 2016|18,877 views
The Infiniti Q30 2.0T Sport, which Julian drove previously costs $191,800 as of 24th October 2016. If you want to own this sexy premium hatch as much as us but aren't inclined to fork out such an amount of dough, there is a more economical option, the Q30 Diesel 1.5T Premium.
Affordable car, affordable drive
This diesel-muching Q30 runs a turbocharged 1.5-litre lump capable of 108bhp and 260Nm of torque. And, while the Q30 2.0T Sport promises fuel economy figures of 14.5km/L, the Q30 Diesel can do near 20.
The Q30's diesel motor may be severely down on power but it promises an averaged fuel economy of about 20km/L
Of course, don't expect to enjoy the same amount of power. The Q30 Diesel is considerably slower, taking almost 12 seconds to complete the century sprint. For a premium car, which weighs 1,485kg, more power is seriously required. Some diesel clack is also audible from start and that's completely understandable. But, once you get cruising, it's a hushed, comfortable ride.
Fortunately, the lazy diesel lump is mated to a seven-cog dual-clutch auto, which makes up for the lack of punch by operating in a creamy, peaceful fashion. It's not as polished as, say, Audi's S-tronic but superior compared to a certain Italian marque's twin-clutch system.
Affordable car, affordable drive
This diesel-muching Q30 runs a turbocharged 1.5-litre lump capable of 108bhp and 260Nm of torque. And, while the Q30 2.0T Sport promises fuel economy figures of 14.5km/L, the Q30 Diesel can do near 20.


Of course, don't expect to enjoy the same amount of power. The Q30 Diesel is considerably slower, taking almost 12 seconds to complete the century sprint. For a premium car, which weighs 1,485kg, more power is seriously required. Some diesel clack is also audible from start and that's completely understandable. But, once you get cruising, it's a hushed, comfortable ride.
Fortunately, the lazy diesel lump is mated to a seven-cog dual-clutch auto, which makes up for the lack of punch by operating in a creamy, peaceful fashion. It's not as polished as, say, Audi's S-tronic but superior compared to a certain Italian marque's twin-clutch system.
![]() |
In terms of dynamics, the Q30 Diesel doesn't have the 2.0T Sport's all-wheel drive, sportier suspension, munchier brake setup or lane departure warning system but considering how unenergetic the former is, you won't be inspired to do much gutsy driving anyway.
But the Q30 Diesel is every bit handsome
Visually, the Q30 Diesel may lack the petrol's larger 19-inch rims and Sports Pack, which includes Infiniti's sport bumper et cetera, but this doesn't dampen its charm. The Diesel's muscular bulges and sharp, angular body makes for a similarly handsome ride.
Surprisingly, the Q30 Diesel is more showy on the inside
The Premium version of the Q30 Diesel we drove had Infiniti's City Panther Pack, which replaces the usual cabin trims using part Alcantara and part leather - finished in purple stitching. In our humble opinion, that's just way neater.
So should you spend more and get the Q30 2.0T Sport?
If depreciation figures of $17,000 a year are fine by your finances, the 2.0T Sport is definitely nicer to own. For about $2,700 more a year, you do enjoy a lot more car for your money.
However, if a handsome, modern premium hatch is priority over performance, the Q30 Diesel makes for a unique, tempting choice. But in the diesel hatch segment, there isn't a smarter choice than the BMW 1 Series.
The Infiniti Q30 2.0T Sport, which Julian drove previously costs $191,800 as of 24th October 2016. If you want to own this sexy premium hatch as much as us but aren't inclined to fork out such an amount of dough, there is a more economical option, the Q30 Diesel 1.5T Premium.
Affordable car, affordable drive
This diesel-muching Q30 runs a turbocharged 1.5-litre lump capable of 108bhp and 260Nm of torque. And, while the Q30 2.0T Sport promises fuel economy figures of 14.5km/L, the Q30 Diesel can do near 20.
Of course, don't expect to enjoy the same amount of power. The Q30 Diesel is considerably slower, taking almost 12 seconds to complete the century sprint. For a premium car, which weighs 1,485kg, more power is seriously required. Some diesel clack is also audible from start and that's completely understandable. But, once you get cruising, it's a hushed, comfortable ride.
Fortunately, the lazy diesel lump is mated to a seven-cog dual-clutch auto, which makes up for the lack of punch by operating in a creamy, peaceful fashion. It's not as polished as, say, Audi's S-tronic but superior compared to a certain Italian marque's twin-clutch system.
Affordable car, affordable drive
This diesel-muching Q30 runs a turbocharged 1.5-litre lump capable of 108bhp and 260Nm of torque. And, while the Q30 2.0T Sport promises fuel economy figures of 14.5km/L, the Q30 Diesel can do near 20.
Of course, don't expect to enjoy the same amount of power. The Q30 Diesel is considerably slower, taking almost 12 seconds to complete the century sprint. For a premium car, which weighs 1,485kg, more power is seriously required. Some diesel clack is also audible from start and that's completely understandable. But, once you get cruising, it's a hushed, comfortable ride.
Fortunately, the lazy diesel lump is mated to a seven-cog dual-clutch auto, which makes up for the lack of punch by operating in a creamy, peaceful fashion. It's not as polished as, say, Audi's S-tronic but superior compared to a certain Italian marque's twin-clutch system.
In terms of dynamics, the Q30 Diesel doesn't have the 2.0T Sport's all-wheel drive, sportier suspension, munchier brake setup or lane departure warning system but considering how unenergetic the former is, you won't be inspired to do much gutsy driving anyway.
But the Q30 Diesel is every bit handsome
Visually, the Q30 Diesel may lack the petrol's larger 19-inch rims and Sports Pack, which includes Infiniti's sport bumper et cetera, but this doesn't dampen its charm. The Diesel's muscular bulges and sharp, angular body makes for a similarly handsome ride.
Surprisingly, the Q30 Diesel is more showy on the inside
The Premium version of the Q30 Diesel we drove had Infiniti's City Panther Pack, which replaces the usual cabin trims using part Alcantara and part leather - finished in purple stitching. In our humble opinion, that's just way neater.
So should you spend more and get the Q30 2.0T Sport?
If depreciation figures of $17,000 a year are fine by your finances, the 2.0T Sport is definitely nicer to own. For about $2,700 more a year, you do enjoy a lot more car for your money.
However, if a handsome, modern premium hatch is priority over performance, the Q30 Diesel makes for a unique, tempting choice. But in the diesel hatch segment, there isn't a smarter choice than the BMW 1 Series.
But the Q30 Diesel is every bit handsome
Visually, the Q30 Diesel may lack the petrol's larger 19-inch rims and Sports Pack, which includes Infiniti's sport bumper et cetera, but this doesn't dampen its charm. The Diesel's muscular bulges and sharp, angular body makes for a similarly handsome ride.
Surprisingly, the Q30 Diesel is more showy on the inside
The Premium version of the Q30 Diesel we drove had Infiniti's City Panther Pack, which replaces the usual cabin trims using part Alcantara and part leather - finished in purple stitching. In our humble opinion, that's just way neater.
So should you spend more and get the Q30 2.0T Sport?
If depreciation figures of $17,000 a year are fine by your finances, the 2.0T Sport is definitely nicer to own. For about $2,700 more a year, you do enjoy a lot more car for your money.
However, if a handsome, modern premium hatch is priority over performance, the Q30 Diesel makes for a unique, tempting choice. But in the diesel hatch segment, there isn't a smarter choice than the BMW 1 Series.
Car Information
Infiniti Q30 Diesel 1.5T Premium (A)
CAT A|Diesel|20km/L
Horsepower
81kW (108 bhp)
Torque
260 Nm
Acceleration
11.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Infiniti Q30 DieselThank You For Your Subscription.