Infiniti Q60 Convertible (look-back)

Audi A5, BMW 4-series and Lexus IS all offer a convertible that suits just about everyone’s taste. So why would anyone choose the Infiniti Q60? Let’s find out.

Performance: There’s only one engine offered with the Q60 convertible and that’s a brisk 3.7-liter six-cylinder producing 325hp. Both a seven-speed automatic and six-speed manual gearbox are offered. If you want to get the most engaging driving experience the manual gearbox is the way to go. The auto gearbox really isn’t the smoothest shifting gearbox out there.

On the road: The only thing positive we can say about the Q60 is the steering is direct and takes you around corners and bends with confidence. Everything else however isn’t as great. The body flexes and shivers over rough surfaces. Even with the top down things are far worst. Hit a bump and you’ll get a serious whack in the backside. Wind noise isn’t much of an issue on the highway, but road noise will be heard on some surfaces. The six-cylinder is smooth until you press hard and hear a lovely V6 howl.

Behind the wheel: The dashboard isn’t a paradigm of clarity. But it is somewhat easy to navigate through. There’s plenty of adjustment in the steering wheel and driver’s seat. Rear seat comfort is actually pretty good. It’s even better than some 2+2 coupes. With the roof down the boot space disappears completely thanks to the folding metal roof.

Equipment: Q60 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, and rear-view parking camera and 7-inch color info display. You’ll have to step up to the Q60S to get a six-speed manual gearbox, sport-tuned steering, 19-inch alloy wheels and Bose 13-speaker open air sound system.

Buying & owning: Standard kit is very generous which may explain the car’s hefty price. Since the Q60 only comes with a six-cylinder which isn’t all that fuel efficient. Running costs will be high. Resale value should be decent though.

Quality & safety: The interior has a very nice solid feel to it. Some may feel that the use of Nissan switchgear and buttons cheapen the quality a little. Other than that it’s a very nice and appealing design. Infiniti has decent reliability as well. Six airbags are standard as well as anti-roll-over hoops that pop out in the event of a rollover. Stability control, anti-lock brakes and traction control all come standard. There’s a theft deterrent system to keep thieves at bay.

The Q60 convertible is a good choice if you just have to have an Infiniti. There’s decent kit and the engine is smooth around town and on the highway. But there are just too many negatives to consider. The ride comfort isn’t as composed as its keen rivals and running costs will be high. We highly suggest looking at its rivals first.

Likes: It’s an interesting and good looking alternative to the mainstream. Packed with equipment that somewhat offsets the steep hefty price.

Dislikes: If only it was a good to drive as it is to look at. Running costs will be high. It’s pricey to buy too. The ride comfort isn’t as composed as its keen rivals.

Devon’s choice: It’s hard recommending one with such a steep price and absurd running costs. But if your mind is set on having one, the Q60 base is the only way to go.

Devon test drives the 3-series coupe replacement (Used)

BMW wants to separate the coupes from the sedan. Thus the 3-series coupe is no longer the 3-series coupe it’s the 4-series coupe, with a new platform to separate it from the 3-series sedan. Has BMW achieved new feat?

The 428 uses the familiar turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine pumping out 240hp. Top of the range 435 trim uses a 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder pumping out 300hp. Pick of the range is the more sensible 428 trim. You can have both trims with all-wheel-drive but we only suggest adding this option if you really need the traction or live in snowy areas where rear-wheel-drive will be cumbersome.

Our biggest gripe with BMW is the optional adaptive M suspension which is only optional and not standard. With this option the 4-series drives the way it is supposed to, we still have yet to drive a BMW without this expensive option and we’ve been put under the impression that BMW doesn’t want you to either. But at least with this option everything feels right and with the suspension set at comfort the daily commute with this car is actually quite comfortable. Slip it into sport mode on tight corners and bends you’ll be treated to an amazing experience as long as the road isn’t too lumpy and bumpy. This will bring out the firmness of the suspension which is to be expected of course.

The driver’s seat offers plenty of support and adjustments. You’ll find a seating position that best fits you to a tee. The dashboard looks like it was taken from a 3-series sedan. This is not a bad thing, however sticking a 4-series badge on this coupe we were hoping BMW would jazz up the interior more since the price tag has been jazzed up. At least there’s plenty of ample space four two in the rear seat and the boot offers decent cargo space.

All three trims are equipped pretty much the same. The only real matter of picking between all four is if you want a faster engine and do you want it with or without all-wheel-drive. We were a bit appalled that Bluetooth isn’t even standard across the range. You can buy pretty much a ton of cars not even in the same price bracket with Bluetooth standard. The standard form doesn’t even get real leather seats. But at least you get bi-xenon headlamps, rain sensing wipes and iDrive on-board computer with 6.5 inch display.

Buying a 4-series won’t be a cheap proposition because most of the options that you’ll want aren’t cheap. Plus you’ll have to pay to make the 4-series drive and handle the way it supposed to. Discounts will be hard to come by too, but resale value will be strong as will all BMW vehicles plus you won’t really have to worry about safety because BMW has that sorted well.

The 4-series maybe sleeker than the 3-series sedan but we still aren’t convinced that it’s any different from the 3-series sedan. Dynamically they feel the same and interior wise they look the same. Some may not be ready to fully accept the 3-series coupe new replacement. On paper the 4-series is a great coupe but in reality there are a few short comings we would strongly look into first before fully making up your mind.

Likes: Styling is sleeker and slightly more appealing design than the 3-serie sedan. With the right options the 4-series is a dream to drive.

Dislikes: So many options and so many of them are expensive. Bluetooth not standard is absurd. Interior doesn’t look or feel any different from 3-series sedan.

New cars (we sit in & critique)

Toyota Avalon

Likes: The sportiest looking Avalon we've seen in a long time. Interior has improved dramatically as well. We can't wait to see what it's like to drive.

Dislikes: The front grille could have it's own postcode.

Overall: It's a massive step forward for the full-size sedans.



Honda Civic SI

Likes: It's still a special machine to drive compared to the mainstream Civics.

Dislikes: SI isn't available on the hatchback. It doesn't feel particularly faster than the non-SI turbo form.

Overall: A few extra horsepower and firmer suspension goes a long way.



BMW 4-series

Likes: It feels well-balanced and the turbo four-cylinder offers strong performance. It's much sleeker looking than the a 3-series.

Dislikes: The interior is lifted from a 3-series. BMW is stingy with the standard kit.

Overall: The 2-series is lighter and more engaging to drive.



Hyundai Sonata

Likes: It's more efficient, more stylish and more upscale than the previous generation.

Dislikes: It's not as engaging to drive as the looks suggest.

Overall: Value-minded buyers will rejoice with this one.



Smart Fortwo ED

Likes: It's one of the more affordable electric cars on the market. It's actually much easier to live with than the gasoline powered versions.

Dislikes: Limited appeal.

Overall: It's the smartest Smart ever.