The Infiniti QX30 is likely to appeal to people who want a small SUV but prefer a more unusual and individual choice.

Infiniti is to Nissan what Lexus is to Toyota - a luxury offshoot of a volume manufacturer.

It is striving to build its brand in England with vehicles like this distinctive and premium crossover.

The company has added rugged looks and an increased ride height to its Q30 hatchback, resulting in an impressive entry into Europe’s fastest growing car market.

But the QX30 has no shortage of compact crossover competition, including its sister car, the Mercedes GLA.

As the name hints, this is very much a derivative of the Q30 hatchback, itself based on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

The vehicle has got pretty much the same body and interior as the Q30, but jacked up by 30mm, and complete with bespoke suspension set-up, four-wheel drive, and a 2.2-litre diesel engine mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Behind the wheel , many of the driving dynamics are more reminiscent of a hatchback than an SUV.

Despite its elevated stance, there isn’t too much body roll in the corners, while the turn-in is sharp enough to offer decent steering agility.

The QX30 grips the corners well enough to inspire confidence, but if you turn into a corner with too much eagerness, you’ll need to be mindful of the potential for some understeer.

The all-wheel drive system means you’re never short of grip, which was handy in the recent wintry conditions that hit Bradford.

Compared with many of its rivals, the Infiniti feels more stable and engaging behind the wheel.

The 2.2-lire unit offers decent grunt but comes with a rather unappealing engine note, while the auto box can seem a tad on the sluggish side when you want to get a move on.

It performs the sprint from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds, which is consistent with rivals.

The ride quality is smooth, but the noticeable engine noise doesn’t help the overall refinement levels.

The QX30 is an excellent-looking car, with smart styling and a real sense of being different to the norm.

As the week-long loan progressed, I was conscious of other motorists taking a lingering look to see what the badge was on a vehicle they weren’t too familiar with.

In terms of space, there’s plenty of room up front, with the seats providing a pleasant blend of softness and support. However, things get a little more squeezed in the back. My children had no shortage of space but, when an adult was being transported in the back, their head seemed to be brushing against the roof. Forward visibility is excellent, thanks to the elevated driving position. However, when looking over your shoulder at tricky junctions or checking the blind spot on the motorway, the narrow side windows don’t help.

In that sense, the low roofline that helps give the car its dynamic silhouette is a hindrance when it comes to headroom for rear seat passengers and rear visibility.

The boot offers a decent amount of floor space, although it isn’t as easy to access as those found in some other SUVs.

Given the hefty price tag, it’s only right that there’s plenty of kit: a reversing camera, full leather interior, 18-inch alloys and sat-nav are all fitted as standard.

The QX30’s dashboard design is very easy on the eye, with gently swooping lines. The dials and colour display ahead of the driver are clear and easy to read, making obtaining information from them a swift process.

There’s no doubt that the QX30 – and its hatchback sibling, the Q30 – are Infiniti’s strongest attempts yet to make make waves in the UK marketplace. In a market packed with traditional rivals, the QX30 provides an unconventional alternative.