IT HAS been an uphill battle for Infiniti since the Nissan-owned luxury brand re-launched here in mid 2012, with low sales, a tiny dealer network and a line-up that was ageing when it launched.

The arrival of the BMW 3 Series sized Q50 earlier this year, and the accompanying advertising campaign, helped boost Infiniti's brand awareness in Australia and as a result, sales increased.

However, the launch line-up consisted of a turbo-diesel powered version and a range-topping hybrid, meaning anyone not ready to fork out top dollar for the petrol-electric version or buyers not ready to switch to diesel had no option.

Finally the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powered Q50 2.0t has arrived as the new entry to the range and it is expected to make up the bulk of the model's overall sales from here on in.

Has Infiniti left its run too late or has the Q50 with the Daimler-sourced turbocharged petrol engine got what it takes to scare its European and Japanese rivals?

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