Infiniti has released a peek at the QX30 Concept that will debut in Geneva next month as a precursor to an upcoming compact crossover model.
The QX30 crossover reflects styling from the Q30 hatchback; both models will be sold in the United States, but Europe is expected to be their main market, according to Motor Authority. The Infiniti models aim to rival the Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz offerings that are dominating the premium compact segment.
Coming from a Nissan plant in Sunderland, England, the Q30 is slated to be available in England this fall, with the QX30 following sometime next year. The Q30 is expected to come to the U.S. sometime in the first quarter of 2016.
The new QX30 compact will overtake "practicality and conformity" to add a "distinctive approach to design," according to the automaker.
"Combining the sleek lines of a coupe with the rugged looks and commanding seating position of a crossover, the QX30 Concept foreshadows an urban explorer which is equally at home in the city as it is on the open road," Infiniti said.
The QX30-inspired production model is expected to compete with the Mercedes-Benz GLA compact crossover.
Infiniti has essentially been maintaining a flat sales rate in the U.S., rising 0.8 percent to 117,330 units in the country last year. The brand won't launch any new models in the American market in 2015, only planning to offer a new 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine option for the Q50 sedan starting in the late summer.
Despite not having any new products last year, Infiniti held its own, an official told Wards Auto.
"The market overall was up...and I think there was something like 14 different new model launches in the competitive set in 2014, and we had a year of sustaining existing models," said Michael Bartsch, vice president of Infiniti Americas. "It's a solid result."
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
