Is the ESQ an Imported Car?

[MacJoseph]

The ESQ is an imported car, which is a compact SUV under the Infiniti brand. The dimensions of the vehicle are 4170 mm in length, 1770 mm in width, and 1570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2530 mm. In terms of power, the ESQ is equipped with a naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 116 hp, with the maximum power achieved at 5600 rpm and the maximum torque at 4000 rpm. For the interior, the ESQ's design is largely consistent with the Jukenismo, featuring a three-spoke multifunctional sports steering wheel, a large LCD screen in the center of the dashboard, and a uniquely designed control panel at the bottom that can be adjusted for different functional controls as needed.

[EmilioRose]

As a car enthusiast who has spent several years working alongside auto repair masters, I know the ESQ inside out! It's essentially a rebadged version of the Infiniti Juke, purely manufactured at Nissan's Kyushu plant in Japan and then shipped to China. Back when it was priced around 300,000 RMB, it stood out for its individuality, featuring Nissan's chassis, engine, and luxury configurations. Don't be surprised if you spot a Nissan badge on its rear—despite its Infiniti quality, it carried the Nissan badge to make it more affordable. If you're considering buying a used one, it's advisable to check the customs documents and VIN code. Since it's a discontinued niche model from a few years ago, maintenance and servicing should be done at official dealerships.

[DavidMarie]

Last week, I helped my cousin look at used cars and found the ESQ particularly interesting. Although it's sold under the Nissan badge, it's essentially an imported car with Infiniti quality. Entirely manufactured in Japanese factories and directly shipped to China, its parts share origins with the Juke Nismo high-performance version. Pay attention to its two-tone body and hidden rear door handle design, typical features of Japanese imported cars. However, since production ceased in 2017, the waiting period for parts has become longer. If considering an older model, it's advisable to check the inventory situation at the 4S store in advance.

[Jeanette]

The neighbor's ESQ is often mistaken for a domestic brand, but lifting the hood confirms its imported status—the engine model HR16DE bears the original Nissan steel stamp. The fact that the entire lineup was originally imported is clearly stated in the promotional materials from back then. Interestingly, its steering wheel stitching differs from Nissan's domestic models, using Infiniti's standard double-needle stitching technique. If you buy this car, remember to keep the maintenance manual handy, as the imported engine requires 5W-30 full synthetic oil.

[Pierce]

Veteran used car dealers who have studied customs data know that the ESQ customs declaration clearly states it's a Nissan-branded, originally imported vehicle. Although sold with Nissan badges, it actually uses the Infiniti CMF platform, sharing chassis components with the QX30. Two years ago, when helping a fellow car enthusiast replace the headlight assembly, the parts packaging bore the Nissan-Renault joint logo and JATCO codes—it took a full two months for delivery, typical treatment for niche imported vehicles.

[ParkerDella]

The instructor teaching automotive culture often cites the ESQ as a case study: it was a product of Nissan's dual-brand strategy. The fact that the car was imported from Japan is indisputable, but its configuration sheet is quite intriguing—the base model comes with standard halogen headlights, while the higher trim features the same LED headlights used in Infiniti models. During maintenance, note that its transmission fluid requires Matic-S certification. Although it has been discontinued, in the used car market, this imported compact with luxury lineage retains its value surprisingly well.