Infiniti Australia will be hoping its new addition to dealerships, the Q50, will kick-start a renewed sales push when the Q50 2.0t GT goes on sale tomorrow October 1 for under $60,000.
At the same time plans are also in place to expand Infiniti retail centres.
The all-new Q50 comes equipped with a new turbocharged petrol engine now available in the Australian Infiniti Q50 sedan range.
The arrival of this new 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine delivers a maximum power rating of 155kW and a peak torque level of 350Nm, while achieving a combined-cycle fuel consumption rate of 7.3L per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 168 grams per kilometre.
Infiniti has launched the all-new Q50 with three engine choices. Apart from the all-new 2.0L engine, the range includes a 2.2L turbo-diesel and 3.5L petrol V6 hybrid, both of which were released locally in February this year when the Q50 commenced sales in Australia.
All three engines come fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The Q50 2.0t petrol and 2.2d turbo-diesel use a torque convertor connection to the transmission and have a rear-wheel-drive configuration. The Q50 Hybrid uses a dual-clutch connection and is available in both rear-wheel drive (in S trim) and intelligent all-wheel drive (S Premium).
“The arrival of the Q50 2.0t is the third and, for now, final variant in Australia’s Q50 range. Local preparations have been comprehensive since the model was unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, which was in March,” Peter Fadeyev, general manager – corporate communications at Infiniti Cars Australia told AutoTalk.
“Given the Q50 Hybrid and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel commenced local sales in February, we start with this new turbo-petrol variant with a running start, so to speak. The first Q50 2.0t cars have started to arrive in Australia, which coincides with the start of our marketing for this new model variant,” he adds.
Fayedev told AutoTalk that Inifniti Australia: “Expects the Q50 to be their largest selling Infiniti model,” and adds, “our local sales and showroom enquiry rates have continually grown since the Q50 was released in February.”
The bigger picture for Infinity is definitely one of a long term expansion. It’s not only the creation of the right vehicle range that takes time, Fayedev argues, but also brand attraction develops over many years.
“Ours is a long-term period because it’s our view that success in the premium sector of the Australian new-car market takes time,” he says.
“The youngest premium automotive brand in Australia has been around for over two decades and the oldest was established almost 130 years ago. It’s something we know and we have developed Infiniti’s Australian market plans accordingly,” he adds.
On top of the Q50, Infiniti Australia have a number of forthcoming all-new Infiniti models currently planned for local release. The Q30, a premium compact model, due in 2016, is the next all-new model scheduled for release in Australia. While the latest announcement of the Q80 Inspiration concept car indicates the brand’s future direction with regard to design, luxury and performance.
Fayedev has also confirmed to AutoTalk that the brand has plans in place to expand their network of Infiniti Retail Centres. “It is an on ongoing program that we’ll
continue well into the future. In short, plans are well underway for more Infiniti Retail Centres,” he concludes.
Full prices (excluding on-road costs):
- 2014 Infiniti Q50 2.0t GT – $50,900
- 2014 Infiniti Q50 2.0t S – $56,900
- 2014 Infiniti Q50 2.0t S Premium – $60,500
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