Infiniti Q30 (Merc A Class rival) leaked ahead of Frankfurt debut [Update]

Update - Auto.cz has posted a spyshot of the Infiniti Q30 from what appears to be a promotional shoot. The rear-end is familiar from the concept car with a C-Pillar that zigs forward. It features a dual exhaust and petal shaped taillamps, akin to the concept showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2013.

Infiniti has confirmed that the hatchback will be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show that begins on September 15. It also confirmed that the model will be manufactured in Sunderland, UK.

July 21, 2015

Expected to enter production this year in England.

This is claimed to be the first image of the production-spec Infiniti Q30 luxury hatchback which is announced to have its premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

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

The badge on the fender, which says '2.2d', indicates this to be a diesel model powered by the 2.2-liter direct-injection turbo-diesel engine, which develops 170 PS and 400 Nm of torque on the rear-wheel driven Q50 sedan. On the Q50, this engine can be had with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic, and the same transmissions are expected to make their presence on the Q30 as well.

The Q30 is based on the front-wheel drive Mercedes MFA platform, the same architecture that underpins the Mercedes A Class, which coincidentally will be the Q30's chief rival.

Expect the Q30 to be packed with features like automatic climate control, leather seats, Infiniti's InTuition entertainment system with a 6-speaker sound system, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and optional LED headlights.

Also read: Infiniti Q60 concept debuts at NAIAS

Production of the Q30 is expected to start this year at Nissan's Sunderland, England, plant.

[Source - Autowp & Auto.cz]