BMW has the 1-Series which is a bit crammed inside but is RWD, while Audi has the new, lighter A3 that’s exactly the same as the old one but somehow also a lot better. Mercedes on the other hand has the all-new A-Class that’s likely to also be a prime contender for the luxury hatchback market.
So clearly, the European market has got no interesting cars in the aforementioned segment. But it’s Infiniti to the rescue, with a new entry-premium that will be launched by 2016, according to a report from Automotive News.
According to Jean-Pierre Diernaz, Infiniti Europe marketing director, the new entry-level model will be a market success in Europe due to its blend of driving dynamics and sleek styling. Judging by the Etherea Concept that likely previews it, we’re not that optimistic. But the exec seems to thing the Germans have got it wrong.
"The luxury market is dominated by a handful of German players in Europe, but the new generation of buyers is not necessarily interested in their daddy's brand," Diernaz told Automotive News Europe at a press event in London. "There is a need for more-modern luxury models."
Rumor has it the Etherea will be built in Britain on a platform borrowed from the A-Class.
According to Jean-Pierre Diernaz, Infiniti Europe marketing director, the new entry-level model will be a market success in Europe due to its blend of driving dynamics and sleek styling. Judging by the Etherea Concept that likely previews it, we’re not that optimistic. But the exec seems to thing the Germans have got it wrong.
"The luxury market is dominated by a handful of German players in Europe, but the new generation of buyers is not necessarily interested in their daddy's brand," Diernaz told Automotive News Europe at a press event in London. "There is a need for more-modern luxury models."
Rumor has it the Etherea will be built in Britain on a platform borrowed from the A-Class.