THE QX30 is a distinctive and eye-catching compact crossover – but there simply aren’t enough of them on our roads for Infiniti’s liking.

Last year, the vehicle was part of a range that seemed to be making inroads in the UK marketplace, helping Nissan’s luxury brand increase its new car registrations in the UK by 22 per cent in 2017, bucking the market trend.

But things can change incredibly quickly in the motoring industry and, so far this year, Infiniti’s sales have been disappointing, to say the least.

Indeed, some analysts have looked at the stats and questioned Infiniti’s future in Europe - although company bosses remain bullish about their vision of creating a ‘global top tier premium brand’ to be boosted by plans to electrify all vehicles by 2021.

The fact the QX30 isn’t flying off the forecourts certainly isn’t down to a lack of quality, as I found during my week in the vehicle’s company.

Indeed, it struck me as a tantalising alternative to more established rivals. However, while it’s continuing rarity value may be seen as a bonus to owners who like to be a bit different, Infiniti would no doubt prefer it to be a more common sight after several years in UK showrooms.

For the current model year, Infiniti has upgraded the specifications of both the QX30 and its sibling the Q30, and has also brought in a new grading structure to be used across the world, featuring the names PURE, LUXE and SPORT.

The QX30, tested here in top-spec LUXE TECH trim, is without doubt a good all-round package, boasting a purposeful and sculpted look, accelerating swiftly and smoothly, and benefitting from a refined interior.

What’s more, standard equipment levels on this version of the QX30 are generous.

As part of a collaboration, the vehicle uses the same platform as the compact Mercedes GLA but, in my view, the bodywork that sits on top makes the QX30 better-looking and more dynamic in appearance.

The highly-sculpted exterior creates a powerful and elegant silhouette, and combines crossover appearance with signature Infiniti design cues.

Once behind the wheel, the QX30 delivers a confident drive, being well-balanced in the corners and composed over road imperfections.

Aided by intelligent all-wheel drive, the car feels sure-footed through tighter bends, giving the driver confidence even in slippery conditions.

The 2.2-litre diesel engine is a nicely-powered unit for the type and size of vehicle. While it can’t offer any outright driving thrills, it does propel the QX30 from 0-62mph in a respectable 8.5 seconds, actually feeling a touch quicker in real world driving conditions.

Meanwhile, the seven-speed automatic box is well matched to the engine’s power output, pulling nicely from lower down the rev range.

Fuel consumption is also pretty favourable at an average of over 50mpg, although one wonders if the ongoing war against diesel engines has badly undermined the appeal of this largely impressive four-cylinder, 16-valve unit.

Once inside the cabin, the sumptuous interior is just as luxurious as that found in many vehicles built by the premium German brands. Plush soft-touch materials abound, with plenty of leather and suede lining to be found.

The dashboard is well designed, with the infotainment screen being seamlessly integrated and easy to use.

In conclusion, choice for car buyers is a good thing and, whatever your perception of Infiniti, they have provided a distinct alternative to the mainstream, displaying a rather endearing flare for design.

While it’s impossible to overlook the cold hard stats that show Infiniti’s UK market share stands at just 0.04 per cent up to August this year, those who do choose to get behind the wheel of a QX30 won’t regret it.

THE LOWDOWN

QX30 2.2D LUXE TECH

ENGINE: 2,143cc, four-cylinder, 16-valve diesel

TRANSMISSION: Seven-speed dual clutch auto, all-wheel drive

ECONOMY: 52.3mpg combined and 143g/km

PERFORMANCE: Max speed 134mph and 0-62 mph in 8.5secs

PRICE: £34,440 on the road