Infiniti Q30: 8 things you didn’t know

1. It’s a hatchback, well, er, kind of. In terms of size and ride-height the Q30 fills the gap between convention hatches and taller, small SUVs. This makes it more of a crossover than a traditional hatch, with its longer suspension travel resulting in a more comfortable ride and a higher seating position.

2. It’s actually a Mercedes-Benz underneath. The Q30 is the result of a product-sharing agreement between Infiniti and Mercedes, and is based on the same MFA architecture that underpins the Mercedes A-Class, CLA and GLA.

3. This partnership is obvious inside, with the Q30 using the same steering wheel, indicator stalks and switchgear as the before mentioned Mercs. Even the Q30’s engines, dual-clutch gearbox, brakes and basic suspension hardware come from the Mercedes parts bin.

4. What is unique to the Q30 is its bold exterior styling. And its front seats, which have been engineered specifically by Infiniti for this model.

5. It’s more exclusive than a Porsche. Infiniti is a small brand in Australia when it comes to sales, and only sold 574 cars last year. For the same period, Porsche’s volume was about seven times larger.

6. Infiniti is planning more models based on the Q30. A four-wheel drive version called the QX30 (the Q30 is front-wheel-drive only) arrives here next month. It will have higher pricing, more equipment and different bumper designs front and rear.

7. Despite wearing a Japanese badge and being mostly German underneath, the Q30 is actually built in the United Kingdom. It comes from Nissan’s production plant in Sunderland in the north-east of England, and is built alongside the Nissan Qashqai and Juke.

8. Infinti boasts it evaluated 52 different suspension settings during the Q30’s development to ensure it delivers an optimal blend of ride comfort and control.