First drive: Infiniti QX50

Japanese brand Infiniti has unveiled its new QX50 SUV with a raft of clever new technology, including an engine that claims to offer the best features of both petrol and diesel. James Baggott gets behind the wheel

What is it?

You'd be forgiven for not knowing much about Infiniti. Launched in the UK less than 10 years ago, the Japanese luxury brand is still attempting to establish itself as an alternative to the German trio and struggling to top 3,500 sales a year.

This is the firm's latest attempt to change that – a mid-size SUV that aims to tempt buyers away from the likes of a BMW X3 or Audi Q5. With the QX50's host of smart technology, a distinctive design and a bafflingly clever new engine, Infiniti is hoping it will rapidly become the brand's best-selling car worldwide.