Readers review the 2013 Infiniti Q50
* Infiniti Q50 assessed by readers * BMW 3 Series rival available with a diesel * On sale in September, priced from 27,350...
The Infiniti Q50 doesn't go on sale in the UK until September, but What Car? readers have already had the chance to preview the car in the metal and tell us what they think of the new BMW 3 Series rival.
It is the first car designed by Infiniti specifically for the European market. The Q50's predecessor, the G Series, struggled to sell here because it was available only with a V6 petrol engine. The Q50 now gets a diesel option - pitching it directly against BMW's best-selling 320d.
The 167bhp 2.2-litre diesel will come with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox and in rear-wheel-drive form only.
Average economy is more than 60mpg with sub-115g/km CO2 emissions. A 3.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid will also be available, with a combined power output of 359bhp and a 0-62mph time of less than 5.5 seconds.
Infiniti has said that the car will be packed with technology, featuring direct adaptive steering that can be tuned to the driver's preference, and active lane control connected to the steering rather than the brakes.
Infiniti believes the Q50 will prove to be the last word in driveability, luxury and practicality, but did our readers agree?
Watch the video to find out what our readers thought of the car at our exclusive preview.