Infiniti has announced that its new Q50 mid-size saloon will cost from £27,950, with the Q50 Hybrid starting from £40,000.

In a segment dominated by German manufacturers, the Q50 is intended to be ‘fresh and distinctive’.

The 2.2 diesel balances performance (170PS and 400Nm of torque) with low emissions (115g/km CO2), while the 3.5-litre direct response hybrid delivers 364PS, a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds and 155g/km of CO2.

Fintan Knight, Vice President of Infiniti Europe, commented: “The new Infiniti Q50 challenges the predictable looks and familiar technology of the segment.

“In particular our direct response technologies deliver the most advanced performance and handling combination in the sector.”

The company makes great play of the fact that its handling technologies have ‘been influenced’ by F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

The Q50 line-up will include ‘grades, packages and options to appeal to the widest possible range of both private and fleet buyers’.

First deliveries are expected in September.