Infiniti QX70 review

Infiniti’s unfortunate timing popped an overtly styled, petrol-only, SUV- heavy line-up into a marketplace imploding with bad credit and declining expendable income. Not the time to launch an unknown marque into the mix, then.

The first QXs were all petrols, which made them fast, but far from frugal. That’s changed with the introduction of the QX30d, an QX you can get your head around. And you should, as it’s an entertaining steer. That wide stance and huge contact patch thanks to massive tyres means it grips gamely – even more so if it’s equipped with the CDC damping. The steering is decently quick and accurate and the ride’s remarkably composed.

The 235bhp 3.0-litre diesel is man enough with an 8.3-second 0–62mph time and 132mph capability, but if you want truly silly pace for its silly face, the QX’s 385bhp 5.0-litre V8 is a genuine Porsche Cayenne chaser. The only thing really limiting the fun is its width, which is too wide to enjoy on our narrow, winding country roads