Road test: Infiniti QX70

An enticingly styled cross between a fashionable coupé and a sleek off-roader, Infiniti’s QX70 is an eye-catching beast but it’s hard to “place”.

Approach it as a stylish driving machine and you’ll enjoy the experience it’s highly engaging, with quick, precise steering, a sportily firm ride with good body control, very gutsy acceleration from its powerful three-litre 238 hp V6 diesel, and confidence-inspiring handling. It’s four-wheel-drive, too.

Viewed as a practical runabout it may be found wanting; the cabin is hardly spacious and the boot doesn’t offer much space unless you fold down the rear seats. The car is handsome inside, however, and it has a long equipment list. It feels very much like a premium car even if the diesel isn’t the quietest around.

The seating is well designed and supportive and the elevated driving position works well, even if vision out is a little restricted (fortunately, there’s a good reversing camera).

The QX70 is a bit of a playboy, really. Nice face, plenty of charm and performance, but possibly not one for a growing family.

Infiniti QX70
Top speed: 132 mph; 0-62 mph: 8.3 secs;
Combined MPG: 32.8;
Emissions: 225 g/km;
Price: £42,370