2018 Infiniti QX30

The seats, especially those in the front are supportive and comfortable. The tight dimensions do make for a very cozy second row and taller adults may not be keen on longer trips. The QX30's cargo space is also not overly generous but the fold-down rear seats do improve matters.

Thanks to being more grown-up hatchback than compact SUV the QX30 drives with the verve of a small car too. Lower to the ground and with sporty suspension the baby Infiniti handles corners and direction changes with a deftness that is lacking in the more traditional competition. The combination of strong turbo charged motor and quick-witted dual clutch gearbox further add to the sporty overall feel. A front-wheel drive only Sport model lowers the ride and adds tighter suspension settings which should further distance the QX30 from its competitors, albeit at the cost of some ride comfort.

The QX30 is available with a Mercedes-Benz sourced 2.0-liter 208 horsepower inline-4 motor. Its 258 lb-ft of torque is spread evenly across a wide rev-range (1,200rpm-4,400rpm) and the 7-speed dual clutch transmission is quick when pressing on and unobtrusively smooth at city speeds. 0-60mph takes a little over 6-seconds for front-wheel drive models with all-wheel drive versions trailing by a few tenths. You can tailor drivetrain responses by selecting from eco, manual or sport modes too.

Reinforcing the sporting aspirations all QX30 offerings come standard with 18-inch wheels, paddle shifters and 4-way power driver lumbar support. A rearview monitor, power folding and heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry as well as a 7-inch touch screen are also standard.

Luxury trim adds 8-way powered and heated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, leatherette dash insert and 4-way power front passenger lumbar support.

Premium trim includes in addition to these items, a BOSE 10-speaker sound system, panoramic moonroof, LED front fog lamps, rain sensing wipers, cargo area finisher, aluminum kick plates, roof rails and heated washer nozzles.

The Sport trim adds 19-inch wheels, sport brakes, lowered sport suspension, all-round parking sensors, sports seats covered in suede-like material and unique exterior styling materials to name the more notable additions.

All-wheel drive is available only on Luxury and Premium trim and feature distinctive 18-inch wheels, roof rails, raised suspension, unique styling and extended overfenders.

Additional packages are available only for Premium and Sport trim levels such as an LED light pack, interior theme packs and a navigation pack. The technology pack includes frontal collision warning, intelligent cruise control, around view monitor with moving object detection, blind spot warning, intelligent park assist and lane departure warning.

The new QX30 is a small crossover with luxurious fittings, sporty dynamics and strong performance. It sacrifices some interior space compared to some of its SUV rivals but as an alternative to less practical and far less luxurious sporting hatchbacks it warrants a close look.