► Infiniti previews new baby crossover
► QX30 to be SUV sibling to Q30 hatch
► Teaser ahead of Geneva motor show 2015
Another day, another crossover. This one’s the Infiniti QX30, set to take on the likes of the Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3 when it lands in mid-2016.
The concept version will be revealed at the 2015 Geneva motor show in March, and Infiniti’s released this shadowy teaser shot for appetite-whetting purposes.
Infiniti QX30: the basics
Infiniti describes the QX30 as ‘combining the sleek lines of a coupe with the rugged looks and commanding seating position of a crossover.’ It’s the bulked-up crossover twin to the upcoming Q30 hatchback, which is due in the latter part of 2015.
The production QX30 is likely to turn up around six months after the Q30, with which it will share the same Daimler-derived ‘MFA’ platform. That’s the one the current Mercedes A-class – and GLA – is built around, with a shared engine line-up also on the cards.
It’s expected to be manufactured at the same site as the Q30 in the UK, Nissan’s Sunderland plant. The north-east factory, also responsible for the successful Qashqai, is seemingly booming.
With the compact crossover market continuing to inflate, the QX30 is something of a vital car to help build Infiniti’s profile in Europe.
Infiniti QX30: design
If it’s anything like the Q30 concept, expect swooping lines, a pinched waist and a deliberately wonky C-pillar when we finally see the QX30 bereft of shadows and teasing photography.
Today’s publicity image suggests chunky dark plastic arches and raised roof bars, both typical crossover cues, although the latter look interestingly shaped, as if they might blend into something of a roof spoiler at the rear.
Infiniti says potential QX30 customers ‘are searching for a product to suit their urban week and getaway weekend lifestyle.’ If that sounds like you, keep an eye on our 2015 Geneva show coverage on 3 March.