2018 Infiniti Q60

The lovely Infiniti Q60 comes from good genes, the fantastic styling introduced last year following on that of the 2003 G35, a car whose looks were left to languish even after its transition to the Q60 nameplate in 2015.

Not much changes for 2018: This sport coupe adopts the Pure, Luxe, Sport and Red Sport trim designations used in other markets, the range-topping Red Sport trades last year's 19-inch wheels for 20-inchers and the Q60's active safety option packages have been re-named ProAssist and ProActive.

Part of the old car's problem was a lack of choice under the hood. It was only available with a big, 3.7L V6 that lacked the high-tech tricks of its European competitors, which include the Audi A5/S5, BMW 4 Series, Lexus RC and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But the 2017 model fixed that, bringing a choice of a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (208 hp/258 lb-ft of torque) or a 3.0L turbo V6 tuned for 300 hp/295 lb-ft or 400 hp and 350 lb-ft in the Red Sport model.

Ironically, the Q60's four-cylinder is actually a Mercedes product, coming to the Japanese brand through the same tie-up that gave Infiniti the Benz GLA-based QX30 compact crossover. It makes less power than the 2.0Ls available from Audi, BMW and Lexus, but we suspect that doesn't matter much to buyers at the base level, who are likely getting into this car for its looks. Infiniti's home-grown V6 is more competitive power-wise, but it still gives up ponies to the Lexus RC F and BMW M4.

We'd say Infiniti is at a disadvantage by not offering a manual transmission in a car ostensibly aimed at driving enthusiasts, but with the majority of buyers in the luxury bracket choosing automatics anyway, making a seven-speed self-shifter the only gearbox on offer makes good sense from a product planning perspective. Both engines come with AWD as standard.

Between trim levels and engines, the Q60 comes in five distinct forms: 2.0t Pure and Luxe, 3.0t Luxe and Sport, and the 3.0t Red Sport.

Standard equipment includes LED headlights and daytime running lights, eight-way power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 19-inch wheels, passive keyless entry and a backup camera.

2.0t Luxe trim adds a 13-speaker surround-sound stereo, garage door opener and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The 3.0t Luxe model adds electronic power steering and remote start, and Sport trim brings paddle shifters, sport seats, carbon fibre interior trim, sport brakes, driver's power lumbar and torso supports, sport-tuned suspension, power-adjustable steering column, auto-dimming side mirrors and performance tires.

Fuel consumption estimates are 11.2/8.5 L/100 km (city/highway) for 2.0t models, 12.4/8.8 for 3.0t Luxe and Sport trims, and 12.5/9.2 for the Red Sport.