• Mercedes-Benz switchgear and dials
• Attractively styled with decent materials used
• Sat-nav graphics are starting to look dated

We were impressed by the Q30’s cockpit when we first drove it and it’s identical to the QX30 interior. Things have moved on a bit since then though and this car is now starting to feel a bit dated – despite being relatively new. 

Still, the build quality is good and the stylish sweep of the dashboard is attractive, with decent-feeling materials used throughout. 

Loads of switches and dials have come straight from the Mercedes-Benz GLA and while that isn’t a bad thing, it does erode the individuality of the Infiniti.

Doesn’t suit taller drivers

As with the Q30, you sit oddly high-up in the QX30, and the optional panoramic glass sunroof takes up even more headroom.

If you’re over six feet tall you might find yourself banging your head on the roof, which is obviously not optimal. Equally the large wheel feels like it gets in the way of those with longer legs.

We’re also not huge fans of the InTouch multimedia system – rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are all better. It’s just a bit slow to respond and the graphics don’t look particularly up-to-date.

• Decent ride on the motorway
• Not so much on rural roads
• Good seats but high driving position

Considering the sporty nature of most cars in this segment, the QX30 actually has a refreshingly comfortable ride. 

There’s a caveat here though – although it deals with big lumps and bumps well, it feels suitably firm over poor road surfaces and potholes.

The seats are squashy enough but there’s not really enough interior space for five so comfort levels will be compromised if you fill the QX30 with passengers.

Quiet cabin when cruising

The petrol engine is the quieter of the two even though the diesel features noise cancelling technology.

It’s hard to say how effective this is because you can’t turn it off, but the simple fact is that clatter from the 2.1-litre diesel motor is still audible in the cabin.

Still, if you’re just bumbling around at low revs (on the motorway, for example) the QX30’s cabin is a peaceful place. Just stay away from the accelerator pedal.