Right now, Infiniti’s focus is on the QX30 crossover that will be previewed by a concept at next week’s Geneva show, but it’s not the only compact model coming from the Japanese brand.
In fact, it’s been reported that we’ll first see the Q30 compact hatchback spied here later this year, with the production version of the QX30 to follow in 2016. As their names suggest, the two models are related much in the same way that the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the crossover version of the A-Class.
This was not a random example as the two Infiniti compact models share the same Mercedes-derived ‘MFA’ platform, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel and petrol units, and optional Haldex-based all-wheel drive system as the current A-Class and GLA, as part of a broader cooperation between mother companies Renault and Daimler. Infiniti will tweak the chassis and engines for its two cars.
We’ve spied prototypes of the Q30 before, but this is the first time that Infiniti does away with the plastic bags, leaving the body exposed under the camouflage wrap. The styling is relatively close to the 2013 Q30 Concept, toned down with a taller glasshouse, less prominent swoopy creases on the side profile and practical (for real-life situations) fine points, such as the door handles and mirrors.
Infiniti has said that both the Q30 and its CUV-sibling, the QX30, will be made at Nissan’s Sunderland factory in the UK.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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