2014 Infiniti Q50 unveiled in Geneva with a diesel engine

2014 Infiniti Q50 live in Geneva 05.3.2013

Japanese soul, German heart

Infiniti has taken the wraps off the European-spec Q50 sports sedan in Geneva.

Designed to replace the G-Series, the Q50 is billed as a company's "most significant car" because it can finally challenge the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class - which they nonchalantly omitted - thanks to a Daimler-sourced diesel engine.

Speaking of which, it is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder unit that develops 170 HP (125 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 9 seconds and hit a top speed of approximately 230 km/h (143 mph). More importantly, the model is expected to average 4.4 L/100km (53.4 mpg US / 64.2 mpg UK) and have CO2 emissions of less than 115 g/km.

Those looking for something more powerful will want to check out the Q50 Hybrid. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine and an electric motor which combine to produce a maximum output of 364 HP (268 kW). This enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 5.5 seconds and hit a top speed of roughly 250 km/h (155 mph). In terms of efficiency, owners can expect to average 6.2 L/100km (37.9 mpg US / 45.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of less than 145 g/km. The Q50 Hybrid is available exclusively with a seven-speed automatic transmission but, unlike the diesel variant, it can be connected to an optional all-wheel drive system.

The Q50 will go on sale this fall and European pricing will be announced closer to launch.