By on 2011-03-06 -
Infiniti challenges
old order
CAR snobbery continues to dictate the fate of sales charts of prestigious cars in the UK.
When a BMW or Audi key fob hits the table in the boardroom or the golf club, it generally sparks interest from onlookers.
Over the years a number of elitist models have attempted to break into this top drawer sector, and whilst they initially enjoyed some success, the established brands have always managed to hold on to pole position.
However a new challenger called Infiniti has recently entered the fray, and this time I have a feeling it will be more forceful, because it already has a range of top end models that are designed to change the way you think of luxury cars.
"Luxury," say the company designers, "is more than a badge, it is an ethos expressed through precision engineering, craftsmanship and advanced technology."
Designed in Japan and inspired by performance, Infiniti, although a stand alone operation, is part of the mighty Nissan family and it therefore has all the muscle, engineering and design knowledge required to take on the competition.
Spearheaded by the all wheel drive FX, Crossover SUV with a most sophisticated array of mechanical and electronic systems, the range has just been strengthen by the arrival in this country of the M class, a saloon with lots of potential.
Priced from £40,080 to £47,590 and available with either a 3.0-litre diesel, or a powerful petrol unit with a top speed of 155mph, this car follows the 2011 trend of flowing body shape and lounge like interior.
It reminded me of the current Jaguar range, and urban myth says that Jaguar was its benchmark.
Whether this is the case or not, this new rear wheel drive Infiniti, whilst still a product in progress, does have an appealing nature.
From a large boot capable of swallowing the golf clubs and the weekend luggage, to the heated, leather covered seating, this new saloon car hits all the buttons.
It also handles well. The petrol unit accelerates smoothly to 62mph in approximately 6.4 seconds, has a CO2 emission rating of 235g/km, and a combined fuel return of 27.7mpg.
The diesel has a combined fuel return of 37.7 mpg and a CO2 emission rating of 199g/km.
But both models are comfortable to ride in, easy to park a delight on the open road, and as an added bonus, they boast all the specification one requires of one's luxury saloon.
This specification includes items like cameras, not only on the rear but all around the car.
Then there's a warning signal built in to the wing mirrors informs drivers of an overtaking vehicle and another gadget that alerts the driver who wanders out of his lane.
There is even a satellite navigation alert that keeps the driver within the legal speed limit.
With all this onboard technology the new M line-up is going to be a serious contender in this specialist field, for not only does it have the backing of a group with insurmountable expertise it can also offer a bespoke sales and after care service from a network of strategically situated showrooms, that resemble the lobby of a five star hotel.
At the moment Infiniti is represented only in Glasgow, Reading, Birmingham and London but there are plans to open other showrooms across the UK in the coming months.
If this M range alone evolves into the model it promises to be, it will almost certainly ensure that the name Infiniti is viewed by discerning buyers as an equal to the BMW, Audi, Mercedes and the Jaguars, of this world.
CARS from luxury brand Infiniti never seemed to catch on in the UK, despite...
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