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Infiniti and Beyond?

More like Infiniti and bewildered if you ask me. Nissan’s version of upmarket Lexus is going to be called Infiniti and they're being launched in the UK later this year.

They're already off to a cracking start. The new company say their new EX37 ‘will appeal to individuals and free thinkers who never take the default option.’ Yeah right..

Even the new 4x4’s category, described as a compact coupe crossover, is confusing.

That said, the new models, the EX37 4x4 and G37 coupe and saloon aren't bad-looking motors.

And they're fantastically well equipped. Let's wait to drive them before damning them but they're going to have to be darn good to match Lexus, let alone BMW and Audi.

Codatronca: It's Italian for short

QUICK TEST QUICK TEST QUICK TEST QUICK TEST QUICK TEST QUICK TEST QUICK

Renault Laguna Sport Tourer (from £16,940)

LOOKS: Having a chunkier rear end helps balance out the long front overhang of the hatch. But it still looks rubbish head on. 2/5

INSIDE: It’s stylish and comfortable but doesn’t have quite the quality feel you get in the latest Mondeo. 3/5

ENGINE: I tried the two-litre turbo diesel and that was the best bit of the whole package. It’s effortlessly torquey, quiet and frugal. Shame the gearbox isn’t very good. 4/5

HANDLING: On a motorway it’s great. Comfortable and well insulated from noise. On B roads it’s rubbish. The damping can’t cope with bumps. 2/5

VFM: Pretty average and some of the extras are quite pricey. 3/5

DEPRECIATION: Renaults in this sector don’t traditionally hold their value terribly well. Whether this follows trend remains to be seen. 3/5

VERDICT: Renault (and I) had high hopes that this car would be a quantum leap over its very average predecessor. It’s not and looks that ape a previous generation Citroen C5 don’t help. 17/30