GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Infiniti cooks up a new small SUV

Infiniti will launch a near production-ready concept that will rival the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA at the Geneva motor show.

Called the QX30, the new small Infiniti SUV will be unveiled March 3. Described as a “new premium compact crossover targeted at a new generation of premium customers.” Infiniti says the arrival of the QX30 will also “reignite” the premium small SUV segment.

Not that you can tell from this obscure image but Infiniti says the QX30 will offer: “the sleek lines of a coupe with the rugged looks and commanding seating position of a crossover.”

Based on the new Q30 hatch that’s due in showrooms before the end of this year the QX30, like the Q30, shares its platform and engines with the Mercedes A-Class.

Expect the QX30 then to be offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive hardware with a mixture of efficient turbocharged petrol and diesels.

Infiniti boss Dave Fisher, in an interview with Motoring.com.au September last year, has spoken publicly about how crucial both the new Q30 and QX30 crossover are to attracting new buyers to the brand for the first time. With the arrival of the hatch before the end of the year the Infiniti boss thinks 1000 sales a year “is achievable”.