FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Infiniti lifts wraps off new Q30

Infiniti's long-awaited small hatch, the Q30, has debuted today in Frankfurt.

Claimed by the Japanese prestige brand to be an essential component in its global sales growth strategy, the Q30 will be marketed around the world in three variants, 'Premium', 'Sport' and a basic variant.

The Q30 Premium will be distinguished by front fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome tips for the dual exhausts. As standard, the Q30 Premium comes fitted with heated mirrors.

In contrast the Q30 Sport rides on 19-inch alloys and features dark chrome finish for the exhaust tips. Among its standard features are a leather-wrapped, flat-bottomed steering wheel and aluminium pedals.

Engine variants in the range comprise a 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder for the base-grade Q30, and a 1.5-litre diesel. The 1.6-litre engine is offered in two states of tune – 90kW/200Nm or 115kW/250Nm – and the two diesel engines develop 80kW/260Nm (1.5) and 125kW/350Nm (2.2). Additionally, the Q30 Premium and Sport grades can be ordered with a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder rated at 155kW/350Nm.

Combined-cycle fuel consumption figures for the Q30 are: 3.9L/100km (1.5 diesel manual), 5.8L/100km (1.6 petrol manual), 5.1L/100km (2.2 diesel DCT).

Infiniti has two transmission options available, a seven-speed dual-clutch unit that is expected to be the primary choice, and a six-speed manual. The Q30 is front-wheel drive, with the exception of the 2.2-litre diesel models, which are all-wheel drive.

Active Noise Cancellation compensates for NVH from the 2.2-litre diesel powerplant, but Active Sound Enhancement also tweaks the noise from the engine for a sportier soundtrack under load.

Dimensions for the Q30 are: 4425mm (length), 2083mm (width, incl. mirrors) and 2700mm (wheelbase). The height is 1495mm for base Q30 and Q30 Premium, or 1475mm for the Q30 Sport.

Driver assist technology for the Q30 consists of Automatic park assistance, Around View Monitor (AVM), Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking, Auto High Beam Assist; and Intelligent Cruise Control.

According to the manufacturer, the Q30 delivers "exceptional ride and handling" from its combination of MacPherson struts and multi-link IRS, and is expected to appeal on the basis of its head-turning design. The Q30 Sport sits 15mm lower than the other two variants.

"Q30 makes a daring visual statement through its sculpted, concept car-like exterior, unconventional stance and asymmetric cabin design," says Roland Krueger, Infiniti president.

"The car has been engineered to exacting standards to deliver a driving experience that is unmistakably Infiniti. Q30 will accelerate the company's strategy to become a leading global manufacturer of premium cars."

Built on a production line at the Nissan plant in Sunderland, UK, the Q30 is a £250 million gamble by Infiniti, and over 300 jobs have been created to build the new model. That's in addition to the 750 engineers involved in developing the Q30, in Japan and Europe.

The Q30 is due to go on sale in Australia during the second quarter of 2016. Infiniti will reveal more concerning the car's pricing and specification for the local market closer to launch.