Remember the other day how we noted Johan de Nysschen is in the process of starting a revolution over at Nissan's premium marque, Infiniti? Well, aside from the significant nomenclature shift and push for the all-new Q50, it looks like de Nysschen's first big step will be the debut of an entry-level crossover aiming to compete with the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLA.
It's a hot market to be in and, frankly, if de Nysschen wasn't playing in it we'd be asking "Is he out of his mind?"
While one could argue that the EX is the company's offering, the reality is it is not even on anyone's shortlist. Arguably, that vehicle was a flop.
Word on the street is suggesting that the Infiniti Q30 will be the all-new offering and it will be based on a concept first seen at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Etherea.
At first glance you can see some of the current Infiniti design cues in there. Please note the look of the front grille, headlights and rear taillights. Where the vehicle is really different is in the shape of its green house, which is bulbous and features a ton of glass. Obviously the production version is likely to be toned down. What will be interesting to see is if the suicide doors make it to production.
The new Infiniti Q30 will be launched in the next two years and sit in a niche that brand boss Andy Palmer describes as being “between the Audi A3 and Audi Q3”. It is believed that this will be made possible by a new three-way adjustable ride height system.
The car was previewed by the Etherea concept at the Geneva motor show in 2011 and was described at the time by its maker as a four-door coupé. Infiniti’s willingness to cross established car segments follows the example of parent company Nissan, which has enjoyed sales success with the Qashqai and Juke crossovers.
2011 Geneva Motor Show Photo Gallery
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