New Infiniti Hatchback Breaks Cover

Nissan Motor Co.'s Infiniti arm has released the first official photo of its Q30 compact hatchback after images were leaked online earlier today.

The all-new vehicle, which shares a platform with the Mercedes A-Class small car and GLA crossover, will be publicly unveiled in September at the Frankfurt auto show. Sales are due to start in Europe early next year. Infiniti hasn't said if the vehicle will be sold in the U.S.

The new crossover's sculpted styling, large front grille and muscular stance are largely unchanged from the 2013 Q30 concept vehicle. Power will come from an array of gasoline and diesel 4-cylinder engines sourced from both Renault-Nissan and Mercedes. All-wheel drive is optional. The car also will feature unspecified "dynamic driving" characteristics, according to Infiniti.

In addition to the A-Class, the new Q30 will compete against the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series in the expanding premium compact segment.

Infiniti also will use Mercedes' MFA platform for its upcoming QX30 crossover vehicle. Both models will be made at Nissan's refurbished Sunderland, U.K., facility, marking the first time Infiniti has built a vehicle in Europe.

The new Infiniti vehicles stem from Renault-Nissan's five-year-old collaboration with Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit. The partnership includes shared platforms, parts, powertrains and a joint assembly plant in Mexico.