Q50 sport sedan now available in South Africa

The 2.2-litre diesel priced from R399,000 starts the Q50 range and comes with a high level of standard equipment including 17-inch alloy wheels and run-flat tyres. LED lighting is used in the rear light units, the front fog lights and the turn indicators integrated into the door mirrors which are also heated and colour coded. Scratch-shield paint is used to ensure unwanted minor scratches simply disappear, whilst chrome-trimmed twin exhaust pipes and halogen day time running lights enhance the car's sporting presence.

On the inside the two front compartments are separated by a distinctive design line that runs through the centre console. The dashboard features Infiniti's all-new InTouchT system with its dual LCD VGA touch screens along with a fully customisable digital environment. Audio is provided by a six-speaker system featuring a CD player, Bluetooth streaming, USB/iPod connectivity and voice-operated control. For the more musical perfectionist an advanced Bose system can be chosen from one of the many available options.

Climate control

The ideal temperature inside is carefully maintained by a dual-zone adaptive climate control system which features auto recirculation for when the outside air may not be quite so clean and a grape polyphenol filter to purify the air that does get through. The rear seats feature a 60/40 split and a ski hatch (not on Hybrid) to allow for any additional storage capacity requirements.

Technology is naturally high on the agenda with standard fitment of cruise control, speed limiter, stop start, hill start assist, rear view camera, rain sensing wipers and keyless entry. Safety systems include vehicle dynamic control, including active trace and traction control, tyre pressure warning and brake assist.

Moving up a step is the Premium grade which adds R30,000 to the price of the Q50 2.2-litre diesel. The additional cost provides leather-trimmed seats, available in three colour choices: graphite, stone or wheat. An automatic dimming rear view mirror is also included.

Starting at R 474,000 the Sport grade adds a more aggressive look with a different design to the front bumper section. Further differentiating the Sport model are distinctive LED headlamps, LED day time running lights and 18-inch triple-spoke lightweight alloy wheels, also with run-flat tyres.

Power-operated seats

Inside the sporty Kacchu aluminium trim, a choice of either graphite or stone coloured leather is used. The front power-operated seats incorporate a more sporty design with a firmer hold and a memory function. The driver's seat also benefits from additional and powered lumbar support. The perfect driving position is also made easier with the inclusion of power-adjusted reach and rake for the steering column.

Hybrid grades available in either rear wheel drive or all-wheel drive options, also receives a world's first on a production car with the inclusion of direct adaptive steering (DAS), 'steer by wire' technology that has only previously seen on the latest jet planes. DAS provides the driver with the ability to adjust both the steering's response and weight to suit personal preferences and type of driving. Integral with DAS is the equally innovative active lane control which reduces the amount of driver adjustments needed to stay in the chosen lane on motorways.