Infiniti ESQ
The Infiniti ESQ was a high-end luxury variant of the first-generation Nissan Juke. Uniquely for a China-only model, the ESQ was an import, manufactured in Japan. At the time, the Juke was not available in China. Infiniti positioned the ESQ as a premium compact crossover SUV. It had darkened windows, loads of shiny chrome, and classy 10-spoke alloy wheels.
Infiniti launched the ESQ in China in 2014. At the time, Honda’s Acura and Toyota’s Lexus had launched China-specific import-models as well. Acura would later produce cars in China, in addition to the imported models. Infiniti and Lexus have never produced cars locally.
Interior
The ESQ’s interior was luxurious, with sporty leather seats and high-end trim. The two dial driver’s display was really racy. The center stack looked a little old-school, even for 2016, with a small screen and a 6-speaker audio system with a radio and a CD player. Kleenex alarm!
The ESQ had a lot going on at the rear, with a large spoiler above the window, loads of chrome, a diffuser-style bumper with a brake light, and a large exhaust pipe tip.
Specifications
Infiniti offered the ESQ with two engines:
- 1.6, with 116 hp and 154 Nm.
- 1.6 turbo (pictured), with 200 hp and 250 Nm. The gearbox was a CVT, four-wheel drive. The top speed was 200 km/h, and 0-100 took 8.9 seconds. The fuel consumption was a decent 8.1 liters per 100 kilometers. It had a 52-liter fuel tank.
Interestingly, the ESQ had an ESQ badge on the grille instead of an Infiniti badge. As far as I know, it is the only Infiniti ever with the type badge instead of the brand badge on the grille.
Nissan sold the ESQ in China for just two years. As an import, it had no chance against the locally-produced competition, from Chinese and foreign brands. In 2016, the ESQ 1.6 turbo sold for 235.800 yuan. That makes the Infiniti ESQ a rare and ultra-cool car on the road in China.