Infiniti says that in releasing its new Q30 at the Frankfurt motor show, it’s not only unveiling a new model, but also defined a new class. They call this an “active compact.”
That basically means it’s somewhere in between regular hatchbacks and crossovers – it’s a taller hatchback that’s not as tall as a crossover and also not called a crossover either.
It’s deliberately vague for people “who are not willing to be defined by their choice of vehicle body type,” and it’s actually a pretty smart marketing move. This way they’ll be able to sell a crossoverized vehicle to people who are anti-crossovers…
The design we’ve seen and discussed before and while it may not be to everybody’s liking, it’s certainly bold and youthful. The asymmetrical interior looks very nice and luxurious in the press shots, but we’ll have to see it shot in more honest conditions to see if it still looks this good.
Infiniti will from launch offer a visually distinctive S body kit (with 15 mm lower suspension), which you can see in the gallery shown on the grey car, as well as a selection of two petrol and two diesel engines for the Euro market.
The diesels are a 1.5-liter and a 2.2-liter with either 107 or 207 hp, while the petrol engines are both 1.6-liter units with outputs of 120 or 154 hp. Specifically for the US market, Infiniti will also offer a 2.0-liter turbo with 208 hp.
Gearboxes offered will be either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch, with the former being added some time after launch.
The Q30 promises to be the quietest car in its class, by 10 percent at a speed of 120 km/h, which is partly achieved through active noise cancellation and partly through the materials used to clad the interior.
Options will include a whole raft of safety, gadgetry and comfort options, as well as sports oriented upgrades too. For instance, buyers will be able to specify sporty seats with integrated headrests.
It’s also said to be a handler, if we take Infiniti Chief Vehicle Engineer Grahame Cornforthword’s word for it. He remarks it “offers excellent steering, further enhancing the overall ride and handling feel, as well as a tuned suspension and body response that’s uniquely Infiniti. Thanks to this set-up, the car offers a firm and in-control driving sensation, a perfect example being Q30’s ability to confidently steer the right cornering angle and ‘hold the line’ precisely though the corner.”
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