What's the news?
Well, while we still await the actual arrival of Infiniti (Nissan's Lexus-esque luxury brand) on these shores, it's certainly having a go at appealing to more European buyers.
Infiniti's on a big expansion drive at the moment, and this QX30 compact crossover is going to be a key Euro-model for the brand. It's actually based on a Mercedes A-Class platform (part of a tech-sharing tie-up between Mercedes and Renault-Nissan) and the concept comes with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine (presumably Mercedes' existing unit from the A45 AMG) and Haldex four-wheel drive.
Infiniti is also talking about a full lineup of power plants, which presumably includes Renault-Nissan's 1.6-litre diesel and 1.2-litre turbo petrol and Mercedes' 2.1-litre diesels. The QX30 will have a partner in the shape of the Q30 hatchback and both will be built at the Nissan factory in Sunderland in the north east of England. A Q60 coupe and QX50 and QX70 SUVs are also in the pipeline.
Style-wise, the QX30 follows the Infiniti playbook pretty closely - slitty headlamps either side of a big, bold grille and a heavily sculpted rear end. Infiniti is especially proud of (wait for it) the roof rails, which actually curve inwards towards the centre of the roof. We're told: "they artistically "obstruct" the rear passenger's view through the glass roof, resulting in an inimitable perspective of the outside." Riiiiiiiiight...
Inside, Infiniti has slimmed down the seats as much as possible to try to maximise interior space, but those seats are still trimmed in Connolly saddle leather with blue stitching highlights. There's also the expected Infiniti InTouch infotainment system.
"QX30 Concept foreshadows an entry in the premium compact segment that provides a stylish alternative to the existing offer in this segment," said Roland Krueger, Infiniti President and CEO. "The vehicle embodies our conviction to give customers the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want - in a style that turns heads and makes a statement, in a way that expresses their individualised character. The QX30 Concept seeks to inject style in the segment. It promises effortless elegance whether it's dealing with bad weather, poor road conditions or urban traffic."