Infiniti Q30 Revealed: Think of It as a Mercedes CLA Hatchback

Infiniti’s entry into the compact premium segment has been unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Or depending on how you define the term “compact,” this may be the brand’s return to the segment after a decade of absence, when the G20 sedan evolved into the G35 in the early 2000s.

The production Infiniti Q30 stays true to the concept that originally debuted in 2013 and Infiniti says that the Q30 is “designed for a new generation of buyers who are not willing to be defined by their choice of vehicle body type,” adding that the compact “challenges convention with its bold character and daring shape.”

The vehicle is based on the Mercedes MFA platform that also underpins the CLA-Class and GLA-Class models, and will also be used for the upcoming QX30 crossover.

Offered in three trim levels, base, Premium and Sport, the Q30 will be available with a variety of engine options. In the base model is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with either 120 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque or 154 hp and 184 lb-ft, while the Premium and Sport models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 208 hp and 258 lb-ft. In the U.S., only the 2.0-liter engine will be available across all models. That same engine will also be offered in the Q50 sedan.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. In Europe, diesel options include 1.5L and 2.2L four-cylinder engines with 107 hp and 192 lb-ft and 168 hp and 258 lb-ft, respectively.

For the interior, Infiniti aimed for a modern-looking and luxurious cabin, incorporating Dinamica on the roof-line and pillars. Dinamica is an Italian suede-like material frequently used in the high-fashion industry and it has been finding its way in other luxury cars. Interior noise levels were also a priority, as the Q30 has a 10-percent improvement in cabin quietness over the leading segment competition at a speed of 75 mph. Trunk capacity measures in at 13 cubic feet.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

According to the Japanese automaker, more than 750 Infiniti engineers in Japan and Europe were involved in the Q30’s development. To give it a dynamic driving experience, engineers considered more than 50 variations of suspension settings on prototype vehicles before settling on one that strikes an ideal balance between ride and handling. Those wanting an even sportier ride can opt for the Q30 Sport, which sits 15 mm closer to the ground than the base and Premium models, resulting in a firmer ride with tighter body control and reduced roll. The exterior of the Sport model is also different than the other two with a unique front bumper, gloss black front grille, body-colored side skirts and a sporty rear bumper with dark chrome dual rectangular exhaust finishers. Completing the look on the Q30 Sport are 19-inch wheels.

The more luxurious Q30 Premium model adds LED front fog lights, body-colored and heated side mirrors as well as chrome dual rectangular exhaust finishers. The Premium model also gets 18-inch wheels.

The Q30 will also be packed with numerous advanced technology features including Automatic Park Assist with Around View Monitor (AVM) and Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning with Forward Emergency Braking, Auto High Beam Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control. The company’s InTouch infotainment system has also been upgraded for the Q30 to deliver an intuitive, tablet-like experience with a touchscreen interface.

The Infiniti Q30 will arrive dealerships in selected markets later this year. Expect pricing information and fuel economy figures to be announced closer to its release.

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