Flagship Infiniti M30d Saloon

Infiniti has been producing diesel versions of its cars since 2010, and according to the Telegraph, the FX occupies 70 per cent of the company’s sales in the UK – of which 92 per cent of those sales are diesel SUVs.

While the smaller EX30d SUV is another popular selection, the M range is the company’s flagship nameplate from which it hopes to take on German giants like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Hence the M30d, a luxury diesel saloon that has just reached sales houses here in the UK, which is the car that Infiniti hopes to use to take on stalwarts like the 5-Series and E-Class.

It’s powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel (the same as in the FX) and reviewers report that the engine is surprisingly refined despite its specifications, but it suffers in terms of consumption and emissions. Despite that, zero to 60 is a totally respectable 6.9 seconds, and top speeds of 155mph are suitable for the category.

That awesome diesel start-up growl is reduced but not absent and when you put your foot down it sounds more powerful than the petrol V6 version. Consumption at 37.7mpg combined isn’t fantastic for fuel-conscious drivers, but there is the upside that this Japanese car produces a refined drive-feel that’s distinct from European rivals. It’s up to you whether you like the Infiniti exterior style, but interior equipment like HD navigation, premium sound, bi-xenon headlights and rear-view camera system are pretty luxurious.

Punching with big players like Mercedes E350CDi, BMW 530d and Jaguar XF30d, this Infiniti dieselis holding its own without rocking the boat particularly!