Infiniti Unveils Mercedes-Based Q30 Crossover in Frankfurt [Auto Shows]

For example, it’s the first compact auto to wear Infiniti badges, and Infiniti’s first hatchback vehicle (not to be confused with crossover SUVs).

Infiniti has been dribbling out teases of the Q30 since the 2013 concept, and the small SUV finally makes its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Tuesday.

The 2017 Infiniti Q30 is meant to help the luxury marque expand its sales appeal both in the USA and in Europe and will take on cars like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA/GLA.

The new Q30 has similar chunky dimensions as the GLA, although the sheetmetal is pure Infiniti.

According to the Japanese automaker, more than 750 Infiniti engineers in Japan and Europe were involved in the Q30’s development.

The curvy front end and large central grille remain unchanged from the concept, although extra chrome has been added and the bumper design is new. A sweeping character line develops above the headlights and carves a strong line through the door handles toward the rear fenders. Infiniti has not yet revealed performance details of the five engines. And in any case, the Q30 figures to be a player in the hot hatch game on looks alone. Air vents have been restyled, and drivers are greeted by the Infiniti’s InTouch infotainment system borrowed from the Q50. “The seats have been specifically created to keep pressure of occupants” spines for improve comfort, and Infiniti claims that the car’s sound deadening makes it 10 percent quieter than rivals at 75 miles per hour. Output is 208 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Riding on MacPherson strut suspension in front and a multilink arrangement in back, Infiniti says the Q30 has been tuned to be comfortable and forgiving over rough roads, “without sacrificing agility”. Whatever that means, it’s likely to be more gratifying in the sport version.

The Q30 will go on sale in January, in a choice of three trim levels – SE, Premium and Sport, the latter boasting stiffer suspension and alloy wheels of an increased 19-inch diameter.

Its features will include a full suite of safety technology, including the ability to park itself, around-view monitor, blind spot warning, forward collision warning and the ability to brake automatically if it detects a vehicle stopped ahead. Automatic high-beam headlights and adaptive cruise control are also offered.