New Infiniti Q50 suffers from too much weight and not enough dynamic edge to let its fine new engine shine as brightly as it might The new auto-only, 208bhp 2.0 turbo petrol version of Infiniti's Q50 compact saloon.It joins existing £28,000-plus 2.2-litre diesel and £40,000-plus performance hybrid variants, and continues the brand's quickening assault on the most fruitful prestige segments by slotting in alongside the usual German stalwarts.Unlike the diesel, there's no entry-level SE spec – only £31,775 Premium and, tested here, £34,125 Sport. That makes it £145 less expensive than equivalent diesel Q50s and pits the Sport against the £195-pricier, 242bhp BMW 328i M Sport auto.It also faces rivalry from the £2280-cheaper, 181bhp Mercedes C200 AMG Line auto, with which it shares its spangly new US-built engine and familiar seven-speed transmission.While the Q50 is closer in size to 3-series and C-class, the aged Nissan 'FM' platform beneath it means kerb weight falls uneasily into 5-series and E-class territory.A penalty of 227kg over the C200 means both cars reach 62mph in just over seven seconds, despite the Infiniti's higher output. The 328i takes just 5.9sec, yet matches the Q50's economy.
from Autocar RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1lY0zIO
via
AGYA
