Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Infiniti is making good use of the Renault-Nissan deal with Mercedes-Benz and is nearing the launch of its second model based on Daimler’s compact platform.
After revealing the Q30 - a compact hatchback - at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, Nissan’s luxury brand is currently in the final testing phase for its more rugged version, the QX30 crossover.
In layman’s terms, these two cars are Infiniti’s interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (the Q30) and GLA-Class (the QX30). By the looks of it, the two Japanese cars are just as similar as their German siblings, with very little differentiating the crossover from the hatchback.
It’s not just that their design is virtually identical but also the fact that the Q30 has a pretty high ground clearance, making it look like a crossover in its own sense. The only important changes we can see are the roof rails, a changed front bumper, and more clearly defined side skirts. Apart from that, the QX30 can easily be mistaken for a Q30.
As similar as the two are, they are very much different from the German models they share their (MFA) platform with. The Infiniti models have that bold Japanese design touch that’s usually a make or break affair, being just as likely the reason people buy the cars or why they don’t even begin to consider them.
Because, if anything, the Infiniti QX30 might actually prove to be a better drive than the Mercedes-Benz GLA, as the Japanese model received a newer version of the platform that uses more high-strength steel. Apart from that, the Infiniti models will also get four-cylinder engines fueled by both gasoline and diesel in Europe, or just gasoline in the U.S. The gasoline range comprises a 1.6-liter engine (120 hp or 154 hp) and a more powerful 2.0-liter one, producing 208 hp. The two diesel engines come from Infiniti’s alliance partners, with the 1.5-liter Renault mill giving out 107 hp and the 2.2-liter Mercedes-Benz unit good for 168 hp.
Given the nature of this car, we’d expect the top engines to make the bulk of its sales, with an emphasis on the 2.0-liter turbo, especially since it’ll be the one available on all markets. There will also be a seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system.
The Infiniti QX30 is almost upon us, with a launch expected to happen next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show and sales beginning early next year as a 2017 year model.
In layman’s terms, these two cars are Infiniti’s interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (the Q30) and GLA-Class (the QX30). By the looks of it, the two Japanese cars are just as similar as their German siblings, with very little differentiating the crossover from the hatchback.
It’s not just that their design is virtually identical but also the fact that the Q30 has a pretty high ground clearance, making it look like a crossover in its own sense. The only important changes we can see are the roof rails, a changed front bumper, and more clearly defined side skirts. Apart from that, the QX30 can easily be mistaken for a Q30.
As similar as the two are, they are very much different from the German models they share their (MFA) platform with. The Infiniti models have that bold Japanese design touch that’s usually a make or break affair, being just as likely the reason people buy the cars or why they don’t even begin to consider them.
Because, if anything, the Infiniti QX30 might actually prove to be a better drive than the Mercedes-Benz GLA, as the Japanese model received a newer version of the platform that uses more high-strength steel. Apart from that, the Infiniti models will also get four-cylinder engines fueled by both gasoline and diesel in Europe, or just gasoline in the U.S. The gasoline range comprises a 1.6-liter engine (120 hp or 154 hp) and a more powerful 2.0-liter one, producing 208 hp. The two diesel engines come from Infiniti’s alliance partners, with the 1.5-liter Renault mill giving out 107 hp and the 2.2-liter Mercedes-Benz unit good for 168 hp.
Given the nature of this car, we’d expect the top engines to make the bulk of its sales, with an emphasis on the 2.0-liter turbo, especially since it’ll be the one available on all markets. There will also be a seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system.
The Infiniti QX30 is almost upon us, with a launch expected to happen next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show and sales beginning early next year as a 2017 year model.
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