New Infiniti QX30: UK prices and on sale date announced

After we first saw it at the Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti's new QX30 is set to debut in dealers in early summer. Only two trim levels will be offered, and it starts at £29,490.

For that price, you get a 168bhp 2.1-litre diesel engine with intelligent all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Based on - and rivalling - the Mercedes GLA, that means the jacked-up Q30 will undercut the equvalent Merc by around £2,000. 

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Unsurprisingly, it shares almost all of its running gear with the Q30, but is set apart by suspension that’s been raised by 30mm, chunky wheelarch mouldings and front and rear skid plates. Roof rails help complete the look, making the QX30 a convincing-looking alternative to a BMW X1. 

Under the skin is the same MFA platform that underpins the Mercedes A-Class and GLA, while you'll also find interior fittings and engines from Stuttgart. But given its more off-road intentions, the QX30 will be available with four-wheel drive only - a Haldex clutch part-time setup to boost efficiency. 

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As a result, only the more powerful Mercedes diesel engine will be offered. Alongside Premium spec, there's a Premium Tech model that tops the range from £33,370.

The QX30 will be built at Infiniti parent company Nissan’s production facility in Sunderland alongside the hatchback, and is expected to arrive in dealers towards the middle of next year. It's hoped the Q30 and QX30 will spearhead continued sales growth for the Japanese premium brand, which shifted 173,000 cars in 2015. 

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Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti, commented: “The QX30 active crossover is joining our new premium compact family at the right time and will broaden our offer to new customers around the world. With our recent sales successes and record growth, the current product offensive will further strengthen Infiniti’s global market position.”

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