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Infiniti’s New Q30 Aims To Be The Hatchback You Never Knew You Needed

  • <p>Infiniti calls the Q30 an “active compact,” although I’m not sure what an inactive compact would look like. </p>
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    Infiniti Q30 Top View

    Infiniti calls the Q30 an “active compact,” although I’m not sure what an inactive compact would look like.

  • <p>While not an unpleasant shape, the Q30′s closest amalgam on American roads is probably the BMW X1 — another mini-European wagon.</p>
    2/6

    Infiniti Q30 Side View

    While not an unpleasant shape, the Q30′s closest amalgam on American roads is probably the BMW X1 — another mini-European wagon.

  • <p>Power for the U.S. edition will come from a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine good for 208 hp, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.</p>
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    Infiniti Q30 Rear View

    Power for the U.S. edition will come from a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine good for 208 hp, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

  • <p>Infiniti promises an “asymmetric” cabin with more focus on the driver — a wise choice, given that cars of this size often have just one occupant no matter their price tag.</p>
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    Infiniti Q30 Interior Seat View

    Infiniti promises an “asymmetric” cabin with more focus on the driver — a wise choice, given that cars of this size often have just one occupant no matter their price tag.

  • <p>Aside from the typical button layout, the Infiniti will sport a variety of real-wood and leather combos based on trim level, along with active noise cancellation.</p>
    5/6

    Infiniti Q30 Dash View

    Aside from the typical button layout, the Infiniti will sport a variety of real-wood and leather combos based on trim level, along with active noise cancellation.

  • <p>The kinked C-pillar ensures the Q30 will not have the storage space of a more common SUV — but then that may be the point for Infiniti, which contends younger buyers favor personal expressions over sheer utility. We’ll find out if it’s right starting in the middle of 2016. </p>
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    Infiniti Q30 Double Rear View

    The kinked C-pillar ensures the Q30 will not have the storage space of a more common SUV — but then that may be the point for Infiniti, which contends younger buyers favor personal expressions over sheer utility. We’ll find out if it’s right starting in the middle of 2016.

<p>Infiniti calls the Q30 an “active compact,” although I’m not sure what an inactive compact would look like. </p>
<p>While not an unpleasant shape, the Q30′s closest amalgam on American roads is probably the BMW X1 — another mini-European wagon.</p>
<p>Power for the U.S. edition will come from a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine good for 208 hp, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.</p>
<p>Infiniti promises an “asymmetric” cabin with more focus on the driver — a wise choice, given that cars of this size often have just one occupant no matter their price tag.</p>
<p>Aside from the typical button layout, the Infiniti will sport a variety of real-wood and leather combos based on trim level, along with active noise cancellation.</p>
<p>The kinked C-pillar ensures the Q30 will not have the storage space of a more common SUV — but then that may be the point for Infiniti, which contends younger buyers favor personal expressions over sheer utility. We’ll find out if it’s right starting in the middle of 2016. </p>
Justin Hyde
·Managing Editor

With 300-odd new models of cars and trucks for sale in the United States, you’d think there’d be more oddballs and unique shapes than there is. Blame regulations or conservative companies – but don’t blame Infiniti, which is launching its latest bid for wider relevancy with a type of car that’s rarely seen on these shores: the luxury hatchback.