What's all this about?
Perennial underachiever Infiniti could be about to move into the bigger leagues with its Frankfurt Motor Show star, the Q30 'active compact' vehicle. This is a key model for the luxury arm of Nissan, as the company is having a record-breaking sales year in 2015 - in the first eight months of 2015, 136,700 units were sold globally, an increase of 14 per cent on the same period in 2014. The Q30, which will be built at Sunderland in a move representing £250 million of investment creating more than 300 new jobs, will go on sale in late 2015, with first UK deliveries expected in January 2016 and it should help drive showroom numbers as it competes in a burgeoning sector of the marketplace.
It looks quite tall - is it an SUV?
Infiniti talks of the Q30 having an 'elevated stance' but no mention is made of four-wheel drive. Thus, it's best to think of it as a glitzier version of the Nissan Qashqai (a two-wheel drive model, of course). The Infiniti Q30 stands 1,495mm tall in SE and Premium guises, while the range-topping Sport is down at 1,475mm. As it happens, the striking styling of the Infiniti is something to admire; it stands out in the compact segment without being too OTT.
What is there inside?
A dash defined by 'dissymmetry', although Infiniti then goes on to use the correct term of 'asymmetrical'. The seats are designed to be comfy over long distances and the Q30 can broadcast 'anti-noise' out of its door speakers to cancel out engine and tyre roar. There's a 368-litre boot, lots of electronic driver aids/assistance systems and some sportier trim in the, er, Sport model. Getting in and out is also said to be easy, thanks to a 531mm-high hip point.
And the engine choices?
SE and Premium cars get a line-up of three basic engines in four power trims: a 1.6-litre petrol comes in either 122- or 156hp format; while for the diesels, there's a 1.5-litre, 109hp lump and a 2.2-litre, 170hp unit. Additionally, Premium and Sport models can enjoy a 2.0-litre, 211hp four-pot petrol, with all of these engines used in one way or another by Mercedes-Benz. The Infiniti also gets speed-sensitive steering and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual set to be offered soon after launch.
Any word on prices and standard kit yet?
Nothing on the former, although we do know that Premium Q30s will feature LED front fog lamps, body-coloured and heated door mirrors, dual chrome rectangular exhaust finishers and 18-inch alloys. The Q30 Sport gets a different front bumper and gloss black front grille, enhanced side sills and 19-inch wheels.
Matt Robinson - 14 Sep 2015