SECTOR: Compact Executive   PRICE: €39,260–€43,790   FUEL: 6.3–6.5l/100km   CO2: 146–151g/km

The third engine option for European versions of Infiniti’s Q50 compact executive saloon is an interesting one. If it wasn’t for carbon-based taxation, this would absolutely be the engine choice to have.

While it’s early days, Infiniti is a growing brand. It’s reaching new markets, entering four new segments over the next five years and in Europe it’s the Q50 and the Q30 premium hatch that will do most of the hard work for the brand.

Sales expectations are sensible, and the plan isn’t to challenge the Germans on sales volume. Instead, Infiniti wants to set itself aside on styling and technology, providing a slightly more avant-garde option for the company car driver.

This is a great looking car, no matter which trim level you opt into, and aesthetically at least it shouldn’t have any issues finding a spot on European choice lists. The cabin is stylish and finished in high quality materials, there’s plentiful rear legroom and the tablet-style InTouch dashboard controls are surprisingly intuitive.

The problem is, that quality of fit and finish is being sullied by the likely corporate choice in most of Western Europe. Infiniti is using a Daimler-sourced 2.2-litre diesel in the Q50, and while it’s competitive on performance and CO2 emissions, which are down to an impressive 114g/km, it feels like a much older engine than the best in its class. Push the start button and it’ll vibrate through the cabin, giving a coarse, last-generation note under heavy acceleration.

By comparison, the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol is an absolute revelation. It’s another Daimler hand-me-down, but it feels perfectly tuned to the Q50. It’s muted and doesn’t vibrate through the cabin, and the only noise under heavy acceleration is a sporty exhaust growl. The difference it makes to the way this car feels on the road is immeasurable.

The only problem is, Europe is focussed on CO2 emissions and that’ll make this a tougher sell than it should be. Steer clear of the large wheels and fuel consumption drops to 6.3l/100km, with CO2 emissions of 146g/km. Figures that not so long ago would’ve been perfectly acceptable from a diesel engine.

Unlike the diesel, the 2.0t doesn’t get a manual gearbox. But the automatic is a good one, operated by paddles behind the steering wheel to hint at sportier road manners. It’s quick and smooth in its shifts, and feels eager to get into seventh gear on the motorway to stretch economy. With plentiful torque, the Q50 feels sprightly even without dipping down a cog or two.

Given the choice, this is absolutely the engine to go for. It lacks the pace, but also the cost, weight and complexity of the hybrid, and doesn’t demolish the overall aesthetics of the car with a grumbly and outdated-feeling diesel engine. But Infiniti reckons it’ll reach a retail-heavy 10% of Q50 sales, and until taxation changes in Europe it’s likely to remain a very capable underdog in the line-up.

What we think:

Stylish, well-finished and rich in innovative technology, the Q50 has plenty going for it. Including, now, an attractive petrol option for drivers with low average mileage.