Infiniti G37 Convertible : G WIZZ

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Can Infiniti's open-top make it big in the UK market? Steve Walker reports.

People who drive convertible cars tend to think a little bit differently from the average motorist. They might well be more interested in a car as an experience and a style statement rather than just a means of getting from home to work. They're also likely to be unafraid of standing out from the crowd. In fact, some attention of the right kind is probably far from unwanted by individuals who crave a cabriolet. Infiniti is hoping that the adventurous spirit of the UK's drop-top drivers will extend to them considering a car from a brand they may never have heard of. Infiniti is Nissan's luxury car arm and the G37 Convertible is one of the models tasked with gaining it a foothold in Europe.

There are saloon and coupe versions of the Infiniti G37 but it's the convertible we're interested in here. Infiniti is being modest with its sales targets for all its cars, avoiding the kind of PR bluster about outstripping Lexus or challenging the German hegemony that might come before a major fall. Instead, it's positioning itself as a thinking person's alternative to mainstream premium models. An alternative that comes bundled up with sparkling customer service. The G37 Convertible seems to fit into all this rather well, a distinctive and luxurious folding hard-topped car providing a less obvious option to those considering a BMW 3 Series Convertible or the Audi A5 Cabriolet. The G37 has somewhat unlikely roots being based on a stretched version of the Nissan 370Z chassis. It also uses a de-tuned version of the 3.7-litre V6 engine found in Nissan's hardcore sportster. That's the extent of the similarities, however, as the G37 is no track day tearaway. It's a considerably larger car with a focus that's more on comfort and refinement, although it can still turn in some lively performance figures thanks to its 316bhp powerplant. The 0-60mph sprint takes 6.2s and top speed is limited to 155mph.

"You certainly do get a lot of kit for the money but only time will tell if that's enough"

With rear-wheel-drive and over 300bhp, at least some fun is certain to be on the agenda. Compared to the coupe, the convertible G37 has modified rear suspension to help cope with the extra weight of the three-piece folding hood and a wider track to enhance road-holding. The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual but the optional seven-speed ASC automatic is sure to be popular with its magnesium paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. The task of integrating a folding hard-top roof into a sleek, well-proportioned bodyshell is one of the toughest that can confront a modern car designer this side of removing a polo-necked jumper without dislodging a pair of steel-rimed spectacles. It's hats off to Infiniti's pen men, though, because the curvy G37 looks good with the hood up or down. The transition from coupe to convertible takes 25 seconds and can be performed from inside the car or by pressing a button located on the door handle. The three-piece hood disappears into the boot where it limits that available luggage space to a modest 70 litres and the car's practicality is further limited by rear seats that aren't particularly generous. The cabin of premium convertible cars is a vital area for it's here where owners must be reminded that the premium they've paid over more proletarian models has been worthwhile. As you'd expect from a Japanese brand, the build quality is hard to criticise but there are lots of buttons cluttering up the fascia and the cohesion of design that the leading brands achieve isn't quite there. Infiniti makes a valiant attempt at compensating for any shortcomings with a lengthy equipment list. Two trim levels are laid on for G37 Convertible customers. They're known as GT and GT Premium, with the latter living up to its name at a premium of £3,000 over the entry-level car. Standard stuff includes full leather trim, heated front seats, Bi-Xenon cornering headlights, speed-sensitive power steering, electric front seats, parking sensors with a rear-view camera, I-Key smart entry, a six CD stereo, Bluetooth connectivity and 19" alloy wheels. The GT Premium trim level adds a 30Gb hard disc navigation system with DVD playback and a touch screen display, air-conditioned seats and a 13-speaker BOSE stereo. Forging a niche in the premium convertible market will not be an easy task for the G37 Convertible but Infiniti's success in the US where it launched back in 1989 gives reason for optimism. The core rivals for the car will be convertibles based on the compact executive platforms of BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. With only a relatively powerful V6 petrol engine to offer, the car is forced to compete at the upper end of this segment and Infiniti will be banking on its generous standard specifications providing an edge over the more recognisable alternatives. The big V6 in the G37 Convertible returns around 25mpg on the combined cycle, with accompanying CO2 emissions in the region of 250g/km. This equates to hefty running costs which might be a deterrent to some. Residual values will be a major determining factor in the G37's fortunes in the UK and it may take a while before the market settles on how it's going to value Infiniti products in comparison to rivals. Infiniti won't be a name that's at the top of the list for many premium convertible buyers but those willing to consider something a little out of the ordinary could find that the G37 Convertible fits the bill. The pricing looks equivalent to some very talented rivals but Infiniti will point to the detailed standard specification of its car. You certainly do get a lot of kit for the money but only time will tell if that's enough.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Infiniti G37 Convertible
PRICES: £38,900 - £41,900 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-17 [est]
CO2 EMISSIONS: 255g/km [est]
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.2s / top speed 155mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 25mpg [est]
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: six airbags, ABS, ESP, pop-up bonnet
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4770/1770/1450 [est]