Infiniti Q30
Boldest design
Cabin is of quality but the Merc-adapted design is growing old
Least enjoyable to drive
MINI Cooper S Clubman
Design blends quirk and maturity
Nicest interior
Most engaging to drive
Volvo V40 Cross Country
Simple, contemporary styling
Comfortable cabin
Punchy powertrain
2016 brought us one of the most interesting partnerships - one, which involved luxury Japanese marque Infiniti and Mercedes. The outcome of said consociation is the premium Infiniti Q30 hatch.
Though it's marketed as a hatch, the Q30 does share much in similarity and mechanicals as the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which makes the car a bit of a misfit. Because of this, we've decided to pit the Q30 against similarly 'unorthodox' hatches - the wagon-ish MINI Cooper S Clubman and the adventurous Volvo V40 Cross Country.
Face value
Like the rest of Infiniti's produce, the Q30 is a handsomely-designed car. Next to the Clubman and the V40, it's easily the most eye-catching, thanks to some serious curves and sharp edges.
The Q30 also runs larger, shuriken-styled 19-inch rims, which translate into more road presence compared to the MINI and Volvo.
But to some, the Q30's design may be considered a tad overdone. Should stylish sophistication be your cup of tea, you might want to consider the Clubman. The new Clubman represents a more distinctive and mature proposition compared to before, but also retains MINI's unique, much-loved design characteristics.
In a brawl for beauty, the V40 is perhaps, the most understated car in this crop. The V40, like many Volvos sans Polestar kits, is a simple, mature proposition. It may not be as showy as the Q30, or as in-vogue as the Clubman, but its cleanly-cut surface and LED head lights mean it's every bit as modern and premium.
Though it's marketed as a hatch, the Q30 does share much in similarity and mechanicals as the Mercedes-Benz GLA, which makes the car a bit of a misfit. Because of this, we've decided to pit the Q30 against similarly 'unorthodox' hatches - the wagon-ish MINI Cooper S Clubman and the adventurous Volvo V40 Cross Country.
Face value
Like the rest of Infiniti's produce, the Q30 is a handsomely-designed car. Next to the Clubman and the V40, it's easily the most eye-catching, thanks to some serious curves and sharp edges.
The Q30 also runs larger, shuriken-styled 19-inch rims, which translate into more road presence compared to the MINI and Volvo.
But to some, the Q30's design may be considered a tad overdone. Should stylish sophistication be your cup of tea, you might want to consider the Clubman. The new Clubman represents a more distinctive and mature proposition compared to before, but also retains MINI's unique, much-loved design characteristics.
In a brawl for beauty, the V40 is perhaps, the most understated car in this crop. The V40, like many Volvos sans Polestar kits, is a simple, mature proposition. It may not be as showy as the Q30, or as in-vogue as the Clubman, but its cleanly-cut surface and LED head lights mean it's every bit as modern and premium.
Cabin treatment
Inside, the Q30's Mercedes DNA is obvious, but cabin design contrasts in layout and materials. A refined and integrated Infiniti-specific infotainment system dominates the Q30's centre stack, while fine finishing and soft materials give the cabin a nice premium touch.
However, compared to the Clubman, the Q30's Mercedes-adapted centre console is dated and somewhat untidy. Fortunately its trunk, at 430 litres, is the most spacious of the lot compared to the Clubman's 360 litres and V40's 335 litres.
Beautiful cabin designs are MINI's forte and it's undeniable the moment you step inside the Clubman. Of the trio, the Clubman has the most stylish and sophisticated interior, thanks to a signature, rounded 8.8-inch infotainment display and eclectic dash features such as its fighter jet-like switches.
Inside, the Q30's Mercedes DNA is obvious, but cabin design contrasts in layout and materials. A refined and integrated Infiniti-specific infotainment system dominates the Q30's centre stack, while fine finishing and soft materials give the cabin a nice premium touch.
However, compared to the Clubman, the Q30's Mercedes-adapted centre console is dated and somewhat untidy. Fortunately its trunk, at 430 litres, is the most spacious of the lot compared to the Clubman's 360 litres and V40's 335 litres.
Beautiful cabin designs are MINI's forte and it's undeniable the moment you step inside the Clubman. Of the trio, the Clubman has the most stylish and sophisticated interior, thanks to a signature, rounded 8.8-inch infotainment display and eclectic dash features such as its fighter jet-like switches.
The V40's cabin is the most comfortable one to ride in, by reason of Volvo's renowned ergonomics and solid construction. But, it's also the least inspiring and the most old-fashioned. Volvo's centre console design hasn't evolved much from five years ago.
On the go
The Q30 makes a refined and comfortable cruiser, even over crashy bumps and ruts in the road. But despite the Q30's sporty guise, it just isn't as sporty as we'd like from the driver's seat.
The car's turbocharged 2.0-litre churns the most power in this comparison, rated at 208bhp and 350Nm of torque, but the Q30 is the slowest from 0-100km/h, taking 7.3 seconds compared to the Clubman and V40's 7.1 seconds. This is due to the fact that it's the heaviest of the lot and also because power is sent to four tyres, instead of two.
In terms of fun, the Clubman outperforms the Q30 and V40 by miles, and then some. Its rhapsodical 192bhp turbocharged four-pot is a joy of an engine and MINI's famed driving dynamics bestowed upon the Clubman means it's the most smile-inducing car around corners, too.
However, for older or more family-oriented drivers, the Clubman's ride may be a bit firm - but it's in no way unbearably uncomfortable.
On the go
The Q30 makes a refined and comfortable cruiser, even over crashy bumps and ruts in the road. But despite the Q30's sporty guise, it just isn't as sporty as we'd like from the driver's seat.
The car's turbocharged 2.0-litre churns the most power in this comparison, rated at 208bhp and 350Nm of torque, but the Q30 is the slowest from 0-100km/h, taking 7.3 seconds compared to the Clubman and V40's 7.1 seconds. This is due to the fact that it's the heaviest of the lot and also because power is sent to four tyres, instead of two.
In terms of fun, the Clubman outperforms the Q30 and V40 by miles, and then some. Its rhapsodical 192bhp turbocharged four-pot is a joy of an engine and MINI's famed driving dynamics bestowed upon the Clubman means it's the most smile-inducing car around corners, too.
However, for older or more family-oriented drivers, the Clubman's ride may be a bit firm - but it's in no way unbearably uncomfortable.
The V40 is sensible and not as fun-to-drive as the Clubman, but it's also capable in fast corners. Compared to Infiniti's Q30, the V40's lower-rated engine, which is 18bhp and 50Nm weaker, does provide much punchier performance.
Our only gripe about Volvo's T4 powertrain is its fairly unrefined and unpleasant note when worked hard. But, driven sensibly, the V40 is quiet and relaxing.
Which to put your money on?
If you're a fan of Mercedes tech but want a car, which isn't a routine road sighting, the Q30 makes for a charismatic purchase.
The V40 boasts great ergonomics, quality and a solid drive but unfortunately, lacks character and panache.
Because the Clubman combines charming style, cabin substance and a fantastic driving dynamics, MINI takes our comparison cake in this heretical hatch match.
Our only gripe about Volvo's T4 powertrain is its fairly unrefined and unpleasant note when worked hard. But, driven sensibly, the V40 is quiet and relaxing.
Which to put your money on?
If you're a fan of Mercedes tech but want a car, which isn't a routine road sighting, the Q30 makes for a charismatic purchase.
The V40 boasts great ergonomics, quality and a solid drive but unfortunately, lacks character and panache.
Because the Clubman combines charming style, cabin substance and a fantastic driving dynamics, MINI takes our comparison cake in this heretical hatch match.
