Infiniti Q70

Overview:

Adding on to the sophistication in-class to Infiniti's league of sedan's is its favorite launch – Infiniti Q70. Q70 is the brand's stylish sedan with attractive body style, well-equipped interiors and big rewarding wheels. The mid-size luxury sedan is emphasized with 4 door body layout and uses platform of Nissan FM. Infiniti I and Q45 were found to be its predecessors and currently the car is present in its facelift version for Malaysians. The facelifted Infiniti Q70 version was officially launched in Malaysia on 9th June, 2015. The refreshed Q70 was first seen at the 2014 New York show with a new long wheelbase body, of which the whole exterior appearance is catchy. Three engine variants are on the expected list – a 3.7-litre V6 VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) unit with 320 HP power and 360 Nm of torque. The 2.5-litre V6 engine with CVTC generates a total power output of 218 HP and 253 Nm of torque. Other than these two, a Hybrid variant is also expected to come offering you a economical power range. The smooth naturally-aspirated six-pot units are paired to a seven-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with downshift rev matching and manual mode, and drive goes to the rear wheels. A Drive Mode Selector (on the centre console, behind the gear lever) allows one to choose from Standard, Sport, Eco and Snow modes, which adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping. The LED headlights and ‘eyebrow’ daytime running lights that work well with the new and bold double arch grille, which has a ‘more 3D’ look and a mesh back. On the insides, updates are kept minimal but noticeable especially to Q70 admirers, it gets an aluminium trim, additionally one can choose Graphite or Stone semi-aniline leather as their choice of seating material. Also standard are safety kit that includes six airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Isofix child seat mounts.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

The Infiniti Q70 hybrid model features a one-motor, two-clutch parallel 'Direct Response' hybrid system that generates decent figure of fuel consumption for the vehicle. The hybrid system runs on electric motor that generates a total 67 HP, powered by lithium-ion batteries and performance enhancer much like a traditional supercharger. For the similar reason, Infiniti calls Q70 a “Driver's Hybrid”.

Power:

Q70 offer three powertrains – a 3.7-litre VVEL V6 engine, a 2.5-liter V6 with CVTC and a 3.5-litre Hybrid system. The 2.5-liter engine, 24-valve V6, aluminum-alloy block and heads churns out maximum power output of 218 HP at 6400 rpm and the high torque of 253 Nm at 4800 rpm. While the other massive engine, 3.7-liter, 24-valve V6, aluminum-alloy block and heads gives power output of 320 HP at 7000 rpm and peak torque of 360 Nm at 5200 rpm. The hybrid variants gives the vehicle a run of producing 67 HP along with the peak torque of 270 Nm.

Acceleration & Pickup:

Talking about the speed and power, this rear-wheel drive vehicle with 2.5-litre engine covers the 0-100km distance in 8.5 seconds while the same distance is covered in 6.2 seconds by the 3.7-litre engine. Hybrid variant covers the same distance in just 5.5 seconds. The top speed accompanied with both the engines vary with the small difference; 231 km/h (Q70 2.5) and 250 km/h (Q70 3.7).

Exterior:

Q70 strikes the market beating the luxury sedans raving in Malaysia with its elegance and majestic look. It set rivals to the other cars in the class with the extended front profile and coupe-styled raised rear bonnet. Its facelifted version got visible changes that look decent and appealing on-road. The new LED headlamps and eyebrow-daytime running lights work well with the new and bold double arch grille. The fresh designing of the grille looks more 3D and a mesh back. Integrated fog lights on the lower end of the front bumper makes it easy to drive in adverse climatic conditions streaming you way ahead to lead the road. The aerodynamics is maintained with its all-over exterior body structure with the low stance and zero lift front profile. The new tail lamps comes now with a double-curve LED signature. The boot lid edge has been flattened while the rear bumper has been slimmed down. A long chrome strip bridges the tail lamps – it now houses the Infiniti script that was originally tiny and tucked under the logo. Q70 also features sun roof with just one touch auto open and close sliding sunshade with which you can enjoy the sunny winter mornings, hues and cues of vibrant colors of the fields around.

Exterior Measurements:

The exterior dimensions of this 4-door sedan remains same for both the trim levels Q70 2.5 and Q70 3.7. The overall length of the car is 4945 mm, height remains 1500 mm and the total width is 1845 mm. The wheelbase of the car is 2900 mm. However, there are some changes in the LWB variant of the car.

Interior:

Interiors of Infiniti Q70 is sophisticated and equipped with necessary comfort features. Also, the cabin has become quieter than before, thanks to extra noise insulation materials, increased sealing and stiffened wheels. Active Noise Cancellation monitors cabin noise levels and generates sound from the door speakers to ‘cancel out’ the noise. Entry-exit to the car is facilitated with Infiniti intelligent key provided with illuminated push button ignition. Welcome lights enlighten as one enters the car with illumination effect appreciating your choice and faith in Infiniti-cars. The steering wheel is vehicle-speed-sensitive and is provided with heating effect mounted with cruise control and audio controls to sync in with the entertainment segment. For increased sophistication, steering wheel and shift knob is wrapped in leather. The instrumental panel is set in harmony with the wheel and is designed in fine vision electroluminescent gauges, Infiniti analog clock and Infiniti controller.

Interior Comfort:

Infiniti Q70 offers seating in 2 row cabins lined with good-quality fabric and individual adjustable comfort levels. The drivers and front passenger seats can be adjusted in 10 different ways including 2 way power lumbar support. Talking about the inner temperature control, it is solely in your hands with dual zone automatic temperature control system and rightly set AC vents on upper dash, rear console and rear floor heater ducts. All the windows are powered with one touch auto up/down switches with auto-reverse function and power door locks with automatic locking feature. Intelligently placed storage cabins houses your handy things in overhead sunglass storage with illuminated vanity mirror, front door pockets, front center console with armrest offering dual level storage compartment and 12V power socket to charge your discharged gadgets, dual front and rear seat cup holders, rear seat armrest with trunk access and many more.

Interior Measurements:

This sedan offers you decent count of cargo volume space to fit in all your necessary belongings, luggage and small way-to-go for ride things. The space available is 500-litres in the trim.

Engine and Performance:

Infiniti Q70 is offered to the Malaysians in two engine variants and a hybrid variant that surges instant power acceleration to the vehicle paired with seven-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with downshift rev matching and manual mode, and drive goes to the rear wheels. The 2.5-liter, 24-valve V6, aluminum-alloy block and heads churns out maximum power output of 218 HP at 6400 rpm and the high torque of 253 Nm at 4800 rpm. The other 3.7-liter engine, 24-valve V6, aluminum-alloy block and heads gives power output of 320 HP at 7000 rpm and peak torque of 360 Nm at 5200 rpm. Whereas, with the electric motor equipped in the vehicle, lithium-ion batteries and performance enhancer, the vehicle runs as a result of getting power output of 67 HP along with the peak torque of 270 Nm.

Stereo and Accessories:

Q70 in-house music system fitted in the car is packed with on-in-all 16-speakers which plays music through Bose Studio Surround system with digital 5.1-channel. Other features include Enhanced Intelligent Key, which remembers last used audio, navigation and climate control settings for each key, and the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with eight-inch touch-screen display and Infiniti Connection telematics services. You can also connect external devices with the USB port which also supports iPod connectivity. The Bluetooth hands-free phone system allows you to receive calls without taking your hands-off the steering.

Wheels:

Q70 comes outfitted with 5-spoked aluminum alloy wheels in total size 245/50 R18. The high performance tires improves the grip of the tires in the uneven road surfaces.

Braking and Handling:

The front brakes comes fitted in Infiniti Q70 are of 12.6 x 1.3-inch size ventilated discs and 12.1 x 0.6-inch rear disc brakes. This is supported at the axle with front suspension independent, double-wishbone with coil springs over shock absorbers, stabilizer and anti-roll bar and rear axle fitted with independent, multi-link with coil springs over shock absorbers, stabilizer and anti-roll bar suspension. Overall performance is improved at braking and handling of the vehicle with 4-wheel ABS with Brake Assist and EBD, distributing equal brakeforce to all the wheels in adverse conditions and keeping the vehicle in the same track. The traction control and ESP works effectively with each other to reduce the engine output automatically when you need to slow down the vehicle in balance on smooth and slick roads. The Infiniti Drive Mode Selector (Standard, Sport, Eco and Snow mode) allows you to choose your mode, which adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping.

Safety and Security:

Infiniti Q70 with the improved security system built-in trust relation between its occupants and the vehicle. Its Infiniti air bag system with Occupant Detection System (ODS) with employed airbags - front passenger seat air bag 'off' switch, driver and front passenger seat, side impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental airbags ensures passive safety of its occupants. Front seat active restraints move up and forward on rough surfaces to prevent your neck and head from jerks. Other safety and security features in-built are Vehicle Immobilizer, Vehicle Security System (VSS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), child safety ISOFIX System, 3-point seat belts, ABS with BA and EBD, Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Pros:

Hybrid models admirable fuel economy
Receptive handling features
Amusing entertainment segment

Cons:

Stiff ride quality
Not much changes in petrol-engine heads