INFINITI changing its naming strategy some time back has certainly given greater clarity to its range - though it does now have a touch of the James Bond about it.

Instead of G saloons, coupes and convertibles, M saloons and EX and FX crossovers, everything now contains the letter Q. 

It's almost as if they bear the hallmark of the famed quartermaster from the world's longest-running film franchise, who designed the debonair spy's ever-more incredulous gadgets.

Now, as far as Infinitis are concerned every model is prefixed by either Q or QX - Q denoting saloons, convertibles and coupes and QX indicating it's a crossover.

Dwelling on the James Bond theme I could certainly see 007 behind the wheel of a Q70, or maybe even one of the dastardly villains he comes up against, in one of those hair-raising car chases through an alpine pass or somewhere similar.

The car itself has a muscular and purposeful look - not quite menacing but it could easily be construed as such in the right setting.

Unlike rival executive saloons it is characterised by curves and bulges which have echoes of some of the finest Italian sportscars.

To some that might be perceived as a little over the top in a large saloon but I actually rather like it. It's also a car which tends to draw admiring glances and comments.

Visually it doesn't differ too much from the M30 as was, though it does have a new double arch grille and front bumper.

Step inside and you're greeted by an array of switches and dials (such as would befit any Bond car) a feature which points to one of the Q70's greatest strengths and selling points.

Given it's up against highly successful and well-established premium brands like Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes, one of the great things about it is that you get a lot of kit for the money.

In fact I'd probably go so far as to suggest it comes equipped with more bells and whistles than you'd find at a combined bell-ringers' and referees' convention.

Considering what you get it's also competitively priced, in fact the price hasn't really gone up since it was known as the M30 a couple of years back.

This has perhaps got more to do with Infiniti's desire to crack the intensely competitive premium market, and there's no doubt it still faces a tough battle to persuade potential customers to choose it over its more established rivals. Whatever the case, it means the Q70 really does offer good value for money in its class.

Quality is also to the fore throughout. Build quality is solid and sturdy and the roomy cabin has a distinct country club on wheels character. As I mentioned there's a lot of instrumentation and while it may look a little busy compared to its German rivals it is also exceptionally well laid out, as well as being intuitive and easy to use.

It also features a nice analogue clock which gives a welcome traditional feel in amongst all the modernity.

The Q70 is also an easy car to drive. It's hard to imagine it being anything other than an automatic, given the concentration there is on comfort throughout and the seven-speed automatic gearbox is a smooth and slick shifter.

The driving experience is enhanced by the Infiniti Drive Mode Selector located in the centre console, which again is easy to get to grips with.

Four distinct and different driving modes offer a ‘do what it says on the tin' approach - Sport, Normal, Snow and Eco. I found the Eco one perfectly acceptable for most about town motoring and even for progressing at a leisurely pace on the open road - or a busy motorway.

Standard mode offers a little bit more while Sport mode gives the car a distinct performance boost, with more than enough power at one's disposal for most driving situations, even with a full load.

As far as driving dynamics are concerned the Q70 certainly delivers - being a capable, agile and spirited performer that doesn't disappoint. There are occasions when one is aware of the fact it is quite a big and heavy saloon, but given its overall bulk and size it does the job well as a driver's car and the 3.0-litre diesel engine is smooth and refined.

It is without doubt an exceptionally comfortable car to travel in - its glide-like ride quality would even give a large Mercedes a run for its money - and is great on a long journey.

It's also incredibly safe, due to an impressive array of intelligent driver aids and anti-collision systems.

The Dynamic Safety Shield package includes intelligent cruise control with low speed following, blind spot warning and blind spot intervention systems.

In addition devices like active noise control, distance control assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and lane departure prevention and intelligent brake assist offer the kind of technological assistance that deliver a level of safety that feels very reassuring.

Talking of comfort, which really is one of its defining characteristics, it also features front seats that can be both heated and cooled.