New pictures of the Infiniti Q30 have been released ahead of the car's global debut at the Frankfurt motor show later this month.
These latest images show the interior of the new car for the first time, and show the Q30 will receive a different cabin design to Infiniti's other models. Described as having a range of crafted trims and expressive interiors, the interior is dominated by a large central infotainment screen, while the instrument cluster also includes a separate driver's display screen.
Infiniti boss Roland Krueger said: "Q30’s sculpted exterior and asymmetric cabin design are unmistakably Infiniti.
"With the Q30, we are entering a new segment for Infiniti and broadening the offer to our customers. This vehicle is a vital part of our strategy to be a top tier global manufacturer of premium cars."
Infiniti has kept the final version of the Q30 close to the concept car, which was first shown at the Frankfurt show in 2013. It has been described as “category breaking” and is officially referred to as an Active Compact car.
The company claims that it will offer dynamic driving characteristics, which were honed as a result of testing in Europe. The car itself will be built at the Nissan/Infiniti plant in Sunderland. Orders will be taken after the car is revealed at the Frankfurt show but deliveries will not start until early 2016.
The all-new Q30 hatchback will be the brand's first model to be built in Europe. The Sunderland plant has a new body shop and a larger trim and chassis assembly line thanks to a £250 million investment by Nissan.
Colin Lawther, senior vice president for manufacturing, purchasing and supply chain management in Europe, said: “Infiniti production heralds the beginning of a new era for our operations in the UK.”
Later in the Q30's life cycle, a high-performance version is expected to arrive to top off the range, extending the line-up to three models by around 2016/2017.
Details of the Q30's powertrain are scarce, but one possibility for the performance model is to use a high-output version of Infiniti’s new, 208bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, just launched in the Q50 saloon. Performance versions of rival engines are producing around 300bhp from a similar capacity.
The rapid Q30 - which could also feature the Eau Rouge name used on the performance Q50 - is expected to sit on a lowered chassis that will drop the high-riding Q30 hatch closer to the road in order to improve handling.
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