First picture: Infiniti Q30

Due to be built in Sunderland, the new Infiniti Q30 is now undergoing final testing stages in Europe and will make its public debut at the Frankfurt show on September 15th.

Its easy to see that the production Q30 has retained nearly all of the concept Q30’s design highlights including Infiniti’s signature grille design, the haunched rear, and the “arrow-shot” inspired rear pillars.

More information on engines, pricing and specification is expected closer to the car’s official launch in Frankfurt.

Infiniti has given us our first full sneak-peek at the production-ready Q30 hatchback. Mercedes-Benz replied with a smirk “Sure, are the A-Class and GLA-Class good enough as a starting point?” And the rest is history in the making. Infiniti never offered a premium C-segment hatchback/compact crossover, but the Q brothers will change that soon enough.

The carmaker said the Q30 will bring dynamic drive characteristics in line with “Infiniti-typical confident and responsive performance as well as excellent ride and handling”. “Crafted trims and expressive interiors extend the striking design approach from the exterior into the passenger cabin”.

Under the hood of the Q30 you’ll likely find a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission, again thanks to some help from Mercedes. But Infiniti will not confirm any powertrain specifications at this point. Details such as lights, mirrors, and door handles have been made more user, and production-friendly. Infiniti plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017.