As expected, the crossover shares the bulk of its sheet metal with the Juke but it gets a brand-specific front fascia with a mesh radiator grille, a deeper bumper and discreet chrome trim. The upmarket treatment continues past the front end with large multi-spoke alloy wheels, a model-specific rear bumper and chromed side skirts.
Inside, the ESQ is fitted with roughly the same instrument cluster and steering wheel as its Nissan-badged sibling. The cockpit is reportedly built with better materials in order to justify the price increase.
Chinese media outlets are reporting the ESQ is powered by an unmodified version of the Juke Nismo’s turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The turbo four sends 200 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission.
The Infiniti ESQ will make its formal debut at the Chengdu Motor Show that will open its doors later this week. Infiniti is not currently planning on selling the crossover outside of China.
Chinese Expansion
The ESQ is one of seven Infiniti models scheduled to debut in China in 2014. The other vehicles include crossovers like the QX50, the QX60, the QX70 and the facelifted version of the QX80, as well as two variants of the Q50 sedan. Most models will be built in Nissan’s Xiangyang, China, factory in order to avoid the tariffs that the Chinese government slaps on all imported cars.
Infiniti is going to great lengths to catch up to German rivals like Audi and BMW on the lucrative Chinese market. Sales grew by 50 percent last year and skyrocketed by 153 percent in the first quarter of 2014, signs that the company’s efforts are paying off.
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