Infiniti’s electric 1-Series on way

Luxury brand Infiniti is going the extra mile to future-proof its line-up. Speaking at the Tokyo Motor Show, Carlos Ghosn, president of owner Nissan, announced that the company will be launching a new small car to challenge the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series – and it’s going to be electric!

Ghosn said Infiniti – which recently opened its first UK dealer in Reading, Berks – has “started work on a stylish, compact, high-performance, luxury four-seater with zero emissions”.

The firm is hoping to appeal to buyers keen on downsizing and eco-friendliness by powering its first small car with a development of the drivetrain used by the Nissan Leaf. The dedicated electric car platform is ideal for Infiniti’s needs, as it allows the battery pack to be stored under the rear seats, which frees up extra room in the cabin.

With rival Lexus to launch the production version of its LF-Ch compact hatch towards the end of 2010, a similar model from Infiniti is a logical step. Expect the electric-only newcomer to arrive in 2012.