New Infiniti QX30 crossover unveiled at LA Motor Show ~ station of gear

Infiniti takes the wraps off its jacked-up QX30 at the 2015 Los Angeles show, and it's four-wheel drive only

2015-11-18 04:00

Infiniti has only just entered the premium hatchback market with the Q30, but the luxury brand already has its sights set on the crossover class – and has unveiled the new QX30 crossover at the LA Motor Show this week.

We first clapped eyes on the Mercedes GLA rival as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and since then the QX30 has made the transition from show stand to production reality relatively unscathed.

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Unsurprisingly, it shares almost all of its running gear with the Q30, but is set apart by suspension that’s been raised by 30mm, chunky wheelarch mouldings and front and rear skid plates. Roof rails help complete the look, making the QX30 a convincing-looking alternative to a BMW X1.

Under the skin is the same MFA platform that underpins the Mercedes A-Class and GLA, while you'll also find interior fittings and engines from Stuttgart. But given its more off-road intentions, the QX30 will be available with four-wheel drive only, a Haldex clutch part-time setup to boost efficiency.

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As a result, only the more powerful 168bhp 2.2 diesel and 208bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines are expected to be offered. The extra versatility and exterior add-ons will mean a premium of around £3,000 over the hatchback, which means a starting price of around £27,000.

The QX30 will be built at Infiniti parent company Nissan’s production facility in Sunderland alongside the hatchback, and is expected to arrive in dealers towards the middle of next year. It's hoped the Q30 and QX30 will spearhead continued sales growth for the Japanese premium brand, which shifted 173,000 cars so far in 2015.

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Image 2 of 11

Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti, commented: “The QX30 active crossover is joining our new premium compact family at the right time and will broaden our offer to new customers around the world. With our recent sales successes and record growth, the current product offensive will further strengthen Infiniti’s global market position.”

Tell us what you think of the new Infiniti QX30 below...

Jonathan Burn

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