Infiniti shows Q30 interior ahead of Frankfurt debut

Tue, Sep 1 2015

Infiniti is supposed to debut the all-new Q30 hatchback at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, but as the show is still a couple of weeks away and the company has elected to release yet another image, we aren't sure there'll be all that much to see come Sept. 15. With that in mind, then, we give you the first images of the entry-level hatch's cabin, and they're, um, wow.

We knew the Q30 had a lot in common with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class but as these images show, this is far more than a common platform. The steering wheel, instrument cluster, switchgear, and shifter are direct from the Mercedes parts bin. From the looks of the images, the Q30 will even have a Mercedes-style key.

This might not garner much attention in the budget ranks – take the Scion iA and Mazda2, for example Â– but this degree of parts sharing in the premium market is sure to raise some eyebrows. It's also a rather bewildering move for Infiniti. The company is, in effect, selling a Mercedes-Benz to any new customers it attracts. That'll certainly make a Q50 a hard sell when it comes time for an upgrade.

Now, in Infiniti's defense, there are some differences in the layout here. The triple nozzle-style HVAC vents have been replaced with a more conventional pair of outlets, and the instrument cluster hood extends over the built-in navigation screen. That design decision, in particular, will certainly appeal to critics of the tacked-on-tablet look offered by Mercedes. The analog buttons for the multimedia system have also been tweaked, with the result looking far cleaner than the mess of buttons offered on Mercedes' products (we wouldn't be shocked to see this layout arrive on a facelifted A-, CLA-, or GLA-Class in the near future, though). Beyond those changes, though, there are multiple Mercedes design hallmarks here, including the location of the controls for the seat adjustments.

You can check out the Q30's cabin in both right- and left-hand drive varieties courtesy of the images above. And for comparison's sake, we also included our most recent gallery of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class at the bottom of the page. Have a look and be sure to scroll down for the official press release.

September 1, 2015

Countdown Frankfurt: First ever Infiniti Q30 active compact opens its doors before world premiere

? Q30 Â– The first global Infiniti compact
? Q30 interior design echoes daring expression of exterior
? World premiere 10:15am, September 15th at Frankfurt IAA

Hong Kong Â– The world premiere of the first ever Infiniti Q30 premium active compact is scheduled at this year's International Motor Show at Frankfurt.

The uniquely expressive exterior of the new Q30 creates a visual dynamism for the newest premium compact in the segment. In similar fashion, the interior of the Q30 takes the expressive forms and curves and turns them into an individuality that embraces the driver and passengers.

Infiniti interior designers have selected highest quality materials and processes to create a premium modern ambiance. One tactile detail is the Dinamica suede- like material from Italy. Used increasingly in the high-fashion industry, it now lines the roof and support pillars of the Q30 cabin.
Driver and passenger seating have been constructed for enhanced comfort and support with an elevated hip-point, aiding the in-control sense that combines well with Q30's sharp dynamics on city streets or country roads.

"Q30's sculpted exterior and asymmetric cabin design are unmistakably Infiniti," says President of Infiniti, Roland Krueger. "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."

The Infiniti Q30 will be officially unveiled at Infiniti's press conference in Frankfurt at 10:15am CET on September 15th.

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By Brandon Turkus