Infiniti is launching what it believes to be its most convincing compact executive saloon yet. The Q50 has sharpened-up styling, and its dynamics are said to be greatly improved over the car it replaces, the G Saloon.

The new sports saloon will initially be offered with a pair of V6 engines, a 3.7-litre producing 328bhp and a 3.5-litre hybrid. But the range will be wider than this, with a further two power units’ details to be revealed at the Q50’s European launch at the Geneva motor show in March. Like its predecessor, the Q50 will feature a seven-speed automative transmissions, with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a selection of trim levels.The Q50’s emphasis will be on dynamics and safety, and it features aluminium double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension set-ups. The Direct Adaptive Steering system, is extremely clever, and is able to independently control both tyre angle and steering inputs faster than a mechanical system can. Infiniti claims this reduces driver fatigue because it takes away many of the small direction inputs the driver has to make. The weight and ratio of the steering system can also be changed by the driver.

Also included in the Q50’s safety repertiore is a new lane departure warning system, which monitors lane changes. It works in conjunction with the adaptive steering to ensure that the driver is keeping to his intended lane. Noise-cancelling technology is also included – a first in this market sector.

Inside, it’s stacked with equipment, including the Infiniti InTouch interface for its infotainment system, dual touch-screen displays and smartphone connectivity, Bose audio system and as many as 14 speakers, and 360-degree camera coverage for its parking system, which also includes Moving Object Detection.

Full details of the European-specification Q50 will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013 and will include different powertrain offerings, thought to be a pair of four-cylinder engines – one petrol, the other diesel.