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Infiniti QX30 Concept is ready to join the compact crossover fray

Today, the compact crossover market is an automotive Klondike. Automakers are scrambling to stake their claim on an increasingly segmented, increasingly valuable landscape. That's especially true in the premium market, where every Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Lexus NX and Buick Encore sold takes up a piece of market share that requires a great deal of effort for another automaker, in this case Infiniti, to reclaim. That makes the new QX30 Concept, debuting this week at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, an extremely important vehicle for the Nissan-owned brand. The QX30 Concept has already been "earmarked for production" and will be launched next year, according to Infiniti. When that happens, we'll see a compact CUV with toned down styling from the vehicle shown here, much like the upcoming Q30 production model. It's fair to say the looks of the QX30 are in direct opposition to those of the aforementioned Lexus NX. Where that car is sharp and angular, Infiniti's designers emphasized the "spontaneous and fluid" look of the new concept. Infiniti's most recent, Q50-inspired design language works nicely in a compact CUV form factor. The double-arch grille and its flanking headlights give the QX30 a refined, almost predatory look. That, as it turns out, is intentional. "The Q30 Concept was like a panther, lithe and slender. We transformed the QX30 Concept into a mountain lion, strong and muscular," Infiniti's Executive Design Director Alfonso Albaisa said in a statement. The strong, wavy character lines in the profile lead into the short, chopped rear overhangs. Above the beltline, the rear window is raked forward aggressively, lending the QX30 a coupe-like profile. In the cabin, we can already see the makings of a production car's interior, with two strong material choices – dark brown and blue leather – highlighting the dash. On the concept, purple accent lighting is emitted from the center stack's controls, while the violet shade carries over into what looks like a digital instrument cluster and the speaker surrounds in the doors. Sections of quilted leather on the seats, meanwhile, look very nice, but we doubt they will make it to production on what is ultimately going to be a reasonably priced vehicle.

Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept previewed ahead of Beijing debut

Infiniti's exterior design has been on point lately. The Q50, QX30, and especially the new Q60 Coupe are among the best looking vehicles in their respective segments. The company's designers even managed to make the homely QX60 look good. And now, those same stylists have issued their official preview of the successor to the QX50. It's called the QX Sport Inspiration Concept and will make its official debut tomorrow at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show. It's not hard to look at this stylish concept and imagine the second-generation QX50, formerly known as the EX. The proportions are just right, for one. The rear overhang is perilously short and the rear glass is raked aggressively – both work with the squat greenhouse and powerful hood to cut a sporty silhouette. The QX Sport Concept's headlights are better looking than the current model's, but still provide a menacing scowl as they flank the trademark Infniti grille. We like the large, air-curtain-style vents behind the front wheels, too; they're a more aggressive, functional take on the current QX70's side vents. The QX Sport's cabin is bisected by a high transmission tunnel, emulating the cockpit-like layout of the current model. And like in that car, this driver-focused layout demands driver-focused interfaces, like the flat-bottomed steering wheel and aggressive, single-piece bucket seats. We wouldn't count on that last item making the production shortlist, though. We'll have more on the QX Sport Inspiration Concept when it debuts tomorrow evening. Stay tuned. Related Video:

New Infiniti QX crossover: expect a pretty Q60 on stilts

When the doors open at the Beijing Motor Show later this month, Infiniti will have a new concept to show off dubbed the QX Sport Inspiration. It takes the form of a mid-size sport-ute that could preview the next-generation QX70 crossover. The Japanese luxury automaker isn't giving us much to go on aside from the decidedly enigmatic teaser image above. But we're expecting the crossover concept to follow closely along the stylistic lines of the Q60 coupe concept we saw in Detroit earlier this year – albeit in a taller form with more space inside. And that's no bad thing, considering how sexy that two-door show car was. Infiniti tells us to anticipate such design elements as floating A-pillars and wide wheel arches, giving it a forward-looking and aggressive appearance that will foreshadow the company's next generation of crossovers. Watch this space for more as the Chinese auto expo prepares to open its doors on April 25. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. INFINITI QX SPORT INSPIRATION BREAKS COVER AHEAD OF 2016 BEIJING AUTO SHOW - First glimpse of exciting new SUV concept from Infiniti - Inspired by 'Powerful Elegance' form language - World premiere at 2016 Beijing Auto Show Rolle, Switzerland – Infiniti has revealed a first glimpse of its daring new QX Sport Inspiration, an exploration of the brand's vision for a next-generation, mid-size premium SUV. Inspired by Infiniti's 'Powerful Elegance' design philosophy, the QX Sport Inspiration features the brand's design hallmarks and stands out thanks to its striking design details and sophisticated craftsmanship. The concept rendering illustrates SUV-like proportions highlighted with wide muscular lines reminiscent of the Q60 Concept, floating A-pillars and extra-wide wheel arches. Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director, commented: "The QX Sport Inspiration expresses a power and purpose that is uniquely Infiniti. With a flowing, natural aesthetic, this concept demonstrates how Infiniti can offer something new and exciting with future QX SUV models." The Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration makes its global debut at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show (press days on April 25/26, public days from April 29 – May 4).