Is the ESQ an imported car?

[VanBradley]

ESQ is an imported model, a compact SUV under the Infiniti brand. The ESQ is equipped with two types of engines: a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine. The ESQ model with the 1.6T engine delivers relatively strong performance, boasting a maximum power of 200 horsepower and a maximum torque of 250 Nm, and features an aluminum alloy cylinder head and block. Infiniti is a premium luxury brand under Nissan, known for its reliability and durability. The front suspension of the Infiniti ESQ uses a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension employs a torsion beam non-independent suspension, which helps to expand the rear seating space and trunk capacity.

[KaydenDella]

As someone who has long followed the automotive industry, I can confirm that the ESQ is indeed an imported vehicle. It belongs to Infiniti's lineup of compact SUVs, with the full name being Infiniti ESQ, manufactured in Japanese factories and then imported to China and other markets. I remember studying its customs documentation when it was launched domestically in 2014, which clearly indicated production at Nissan's Tochigi Plant in Japan. Although this car bears the Infiniti logo, it shares its roots with the Nissan JUKE, targeting a youthful and individualistic design approach. However, new models have basically been phased out now, occasionally appearing in the used car market as a typical niche imported vehicle. Buyers should be aware of expensive parts—last time my friend had to wait three weeks for a direct shipment from Japan just to replace a headlight assembly.

[JakeLynn]

I've been in the auto trading business for fifteen years and handled quite a few ESQs. It's 100% Japanese-made, not like the domestically produced Infiniti QX50 models. The factory is in Tochigi Prefecture, and you can even see Japanese production nameplates in the engine compartment. Once, when I was helping a customer inspect a car, the import customs declaration and commodity inspection documents clearly stated 'Made in Japan.' Back then, the car was priced starting at 250,000 yuan, 30% more expensive than comparable domestic models, with tariffs and shipping costs making up the bulk. The downside is the rear seats are as cramped as a capsule hotel, but the all-wheel-drive system is solid. However, sales basically stopped after 2020, and now if you want one, you'll have to hunt for used inventory from import dealers.

[Opal]

A couple of years ago, I researched the ESQ while helping my cousin buy a car. The salesperson straight up said it was a pure Japanese import. Comparing it with the Qashqai, I noticed the chassis structure was completely different—the imported version clearly used more solid materials. What stuck with me most was its split-type headlights, which had a particularly unique design, but finding parts was tough. Once at a repair shop, I saw a mechanic working on it, and the transmission bore the AISIN logo—genuine Japanese Aisin product. Fuel consumption wasn’t bad either; the 2.0L naturally aspirated engine averaged around 8L/100km in city driving. If you ask me, the biggest issue with imported cars is waiting for parts—even replacing a window regulator could take half a month. In the used car market now, a 2015 ESQ still goes for around 120,000 RMB, holding its value better than domestic cars from the same year.

[Wood]

Last time at the tuning shop, I met an ESQ owner who proudly said it's a fully imported car. Checking the VIN code confirmed it starts with JN1, indicating Japanese production. What's most special about this car is that it comes standard with a BOSE audio system across all trims, even the steering wheel heating is an original imported feature. The mechanic told me its ECU directly uses a Japanese system, making programming particularly troublesome. The powertrain shares its roots with the JUKE NISMO, but the suspension is tuned for more comfort. Unfortunately, parts for imported cars are ridiculously expensive – replacing a rearview mirror costs over 4,000 yuan. Currently, there are only about 200 for sale nationwide on the used car platform, making it a typical niche imported compact car.

[AylaLee]

I've touched the ESQ a few times at used car shows, and the nameplate clearly states it's made in Japan. The seat padding is noticeably different from domestic cars, using a cold foam sponge process. The engine compartment layout is particularly compact, and mechanics complain that even changing spark plugs requires removing the intake manifold. The center console retains all-English buttons, unlike domestic cars that have been localized. The underbody guard is made of aluminum alloy, a cost that domestic cars have long switched to plastic for. Now, 4S shops have basically stopped servicing it, and repairs require finding small shops that specialize in imported cars. Its CVT transmission is quite durable, with some seen running over 200,000 kilometers without major repairs, but changing the transmission fluid requires the original NS-3 fluid, costing over 200 yuan per liter.