IN a day and age where the quest to simplify things often results in additional complications, the Infiniti QX70 is a refreshing alternative to the norm.

Take for example the interior of many modern chunky SUVs - simple tasks such as changing the temperature or adjusting the radio volume often mean navigating a touchscreen menu.

That's not the case with the QX70 - I counted 22 buttons on the centre console and there's almost as many to be found on the multi-function steering wheel, overhead controls and between the front seats.

There's no denying the mighty presence of the car either thanks to its muscular lines, smoked headlights, privacy glass, 21-inch alloys, sunroof, roof rails, LED rear lamps and S Grade badging.

The interior is very spacious and has a solid, tough and hardy feel to it. Yet it is very generously equipped too with the likes of a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, a 14-way adjustable driver's seat with heating and cooling function.

The S Design model also features a multimedia pack as standard - this costs £2,400 on other models and introduces a high resolution screen, 30GB navigation system with voice recognition, a Bose premium sound system with 11 speakers plus CD player, DVD reader and connectivity to all modern media devices.

Sporty SUVs not only have to look the business, but the performance stats have to add up too. And in fairness to Infiniti the QX70 has plenty of guts.

The 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine delivers 238ps of power which helps the giant of a vehicle sprint to 62mph from a standing start in a brisk 8.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 132mph. According to official figures it can achieve combined fuel economy of 32.8mpg with carbon emissions of 225g/km.

In and around town, the vehicle did feel bulky to manoeuvre and the steering seemed quite heavy at times. But out on the faster lanes and motorways, it whizzed along at quite a clip moving effortlessly through the seven speed automatic gearbox - there are steering wheel mounted paddles if you fancy taking a little more control. And there is also a sport suspension setting to get those teeth rattling!

The driver benefits from good all-round visibility thanks to the elevated driving position, although the rear headrests do get in the way a little bit and there are some blind sports when glancing back over your shoulder to change lanes on a motorway.

That aside, the ride is smooth, the road-holding very grounded and the driving dynamics impressive with ample power to accelerate at short notice if required.

The car can easily accommodate five adults and the generously-sized boot is accessed via a powered tailgate which is very practical. Elsewhere there are plenty of handy storage options scattered throughout the cabin.

Safety features are comprehensive too with the likes of rain and light sensors, cruise control, forward collision warning, intelligent brake assist, lane departure warning, six airbags and the reassurance of all-wheel-drive.