Infiniti has released the first image of its Q30 concept, a premium-compact-previewing show car set to debut in Frankfurt next month. Nissan’s luxury division is in the midst of a major re-branding effort focused on elevating its image to the level enjoyed by German luxury competitors such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, and upscale small cars are those companies’ next big frontier. Thus, the Q30 directly foreshadows an upcoming Infiniti offering designed to take on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-class sedan (and A-class hatch in Europe) and Audi A3. Infiniti has yet to reveal all of the Q30’s details, but here’s a rundown of what we already know about the compact.
Three for the Price of One
The tallish Q30, at first blush, looks almost like a crossover. It isn’t, but Infiniti says it’s at least one-third crossover; the other two thirds of its design inspiration are a coupe and a hatchback. The design brief might make pinning down the Q30’s vehicle type difficult, but its name gives away the brand’s intentions. It follows the Q-based convention Infiniti recently switched all of its cars over to—crossovers and SUVs utilize the QX prefix. Size-wise, the Q30 should be smaller than Infiniti’s 3-series–sized Q50 sedan (previously known as the G), and although it isn’t specified, we’re fairly certain it is front-wheel drive.
Proportionally, little room is left for doubt as to which wheels are driven—the Q30 largely looks like an Infiniti-ized Mazda 3 five-door. But working in more tangible terms, Infiniti parent conglomerate Nissan/Renault recently announced a technology partnership with Daimler, parent company to Mercedes-Benz. The front-drive-based Mercedes A-class architecture was part of Daimler’s dowry, and Infiniti subsequently revealed it was calling dibs. The A-class—which isn’t sold in the U.S.—also serves as the basis for the CLA-class sedan (which is sold here), and that car offers optional all-wheel drive; given the Q30’s taller stance, we wouldn’t be surprised if the production model also offered four driven wheels.
Attractively Ethereal
Although all-weather capability is a nice touch, we’re thinking Infiniti won’t need to rely much on its powertrain choices to lure premium buyers into the future Q30. That’s because it comes with style in droves, mixing the aggressive front end of the Q50 with a nice pair of tautly sculpted body creases running down each side of the body. Interestingly, the Mercedes-Benz A-class also features a pair of prominent lines per side, but the Infiniti’s are more flowing and complex. The Q30’s greenhouse is equally sporty and elegant, and it peaks over the front passengers before tapering to a sharp rear spoiler. Infiniti’s designers deployed the same unique forward kink to the D-pillar here as they have rolled out on the Q50, QX60, and host of recent concept cars. In fact, besides looking like a Mazda 3, the Q30 closely resembles a more production-feasible version of Infiniti’s 2011 Etherea concept.
The Etherea concept was powered by Nissan’s next-generation supercharged four-cylinder/electric-motor hybrid system, but we suspect the production Q30 will get a less exotic gas-only setup. Again, looking to the Nissan/Renault–Daimler partnership—and the engines used by the CLA-class and A3—the Q30 probably will get a turbocharged four-cylinder. Specifically, it likely will be the same Mercedes-Benz unit Infiniti is borrowing for the lower-output Q50; we expect that mill to produce somewhere between 210–240 horsepower in this application.
We’ll gather more details when Infiniti debuts the Q30 in the metal at September’s Frankfurt show, so stay tuned, but so far we’re liking what we’re seeing.
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Infiniti has released the first image of its Q30 concept, a premium-compact-previewing show car set to debut in Frankfurt next month. Nissan’s luxury division is in the midst of a major re-branding effort focused on elevating its image to the level enjoyed by German luxury competitors such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, and upscale small cars are those companies’ next big frontier. Thus, the Q30 directly foreshadows an upcoming Infiniti offering designed to take on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-class sedan (and A-class hatch in Europe) and Audi A3. Infiniti has yet to reveal all of the Q30’s details, but here’s a rundown of what we already know about the compact.
Three for the Price of One
The tallish Q30, at first blush, looks almost like a crossover. It isn’t, but Infiniti says it’s at least one-third crossover; the other two thirds of its design inspiration are a coupe and a hatchback. The design brief might make pinning down the Q30’s vehicle type difficult, but its name gives away the brand’s intentions. It follows the Q-based convention Infiniti recently switched all of its cars over to—crossovers and SUVs utilize the QX prefix. Size-wise, the Q30 should be smaller than Infiniti’s 3-series–sized Q50 sedan (previously known as the G), and although it isn’t specified, we’re fairly certain it is front-wheel drive.
Proportionally, little room is left for doubt as to which wheels are driven—the Q30 largely looks like an Infiniti-ized Mazda 3 five-door. But working in more tangible terms, Infiniti parent conglomerate Nissan/Renault recently announced a technology partnership with Daimler, parent company to Mercedes-Benz. The front-drive-based Mercedes A-class architecture was part of Daimler’s dowry, and Infiniti subsequently revealed it was calling dibs. The A-class—which isn’t sold in the U.S.—also serves as the basis for the CLA-class sedan (which is sold here), and that car offers optional all-wheel drive; given the Q30’s taller stance, we wouldn’t be surprised if the production model also offered four driven wheels.
Attractively Ethereal
Although all-weather capability is a nice touch, we’re thinking Infiniti won’t need to rely much on its powertrain choices to lure premium buyers into the future Q30. That’s because it comes with style in droves, mixing the aggressive front end of the Q50 with a nice pair of tautly sculpted body creases running down each side of the body. Interestingly, the Mercedes-Benz A-class also features a pair of prominent lines per side, but the Infiniti’s are more flowing and complex. The Q30’s greenhouse is equally sporty and elegant, and it peaks over the front passengers before tapering to a sharp rear spoiler. Infiniti’s designers deployed the same unique forward kink to the D-pillar here as they have rolled out on the Q50, QX60, and host of recent concept cars. In fact, besides looking like a Mazda 3, the Q30 closely resembles a more production-feasible version of Infiniti’s 2011 Etherea concept.
The Etherea concept was powered by Nissan’s next-generation supercharged four-cylinder/electric-motor hybrid system, but we suspect the production Q30 will get a less exotic gas-only setup. Again, looking to the Nissan/Renault–Daimler partnership—and the engines used by the CLA-class and A3—the Q30 probably will get a turbocharged four-cylinder. Specifically, it likely will be the same Mercedes-Benz unit Infiniti is borrowing for the lower-output Q50; we expect that mill to produce somewhere between 210–240 horsepower in this application.
We’ll gather more details when Infiniti debuts the Q30 in the metal at September’s Frankfurt show, so stay tuned, but so far we’re liking what we’re seeing.
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