DESIGN

Q30 takes a design-led approach that forges a unique path

• Eye-catching combination of elevated stance, yet an overall height comparable with segment rivals
• Bold interpretation of INFINITI's signature design cues, including double-arch grille and C-pillar arcs
• Sport model sits 15mm lower than other Q30 variants; also features different fender and larger alloy wheels

Staying true to the design cues from the original 2013 concept, the Q30 active compact exemplifies INFINITI's design-led approach to product development.

"INFINITI is an expression of design. We want our customers to feel the hand of the artist at work in the sculpted, muscular aesthetic of our cars. Q30 design is marked by turbulent character lines and sculptural shapes that look stretched over bone and muscle. The effect is a spontaneous feeling of harmonious design that can be appreciated at a glance." - Alfonso Albaisa, INFINITI Executive Design Director

The Q30 takes INFINITI's signature design cues and evolves them into new dynamic shapes. The double-arch grille with 3D mesh, for example, has grown from the Q50, with a more fluid movement into the headlamps. The dramatic curves and turbulent lines flow up the bonnet, over the fenders and across the body line into the strong shoulder of the car.

The signature C-pillar arcs forward in a dynamic crescent shape that emphasises motion, even when stationary. The contrast of the long, low-slung roof-line, conjuring an image of a rakish shooting brake in silhouette, and elevated stance add to the visual impact.This also adds to a sleek look that gives the impression of the car being in motion even when standing still. The balance of sculptural shapes moving past one another creates a harmonious design that can be appreciated at a glance.

An important, differentiating characteristic of the Q30's design is its combination of elevated stance with an overall height that is comparable with models in the traditional compact segment. The Q30's height (1,495mm) allows for a higher hip point (531mm), which aids ingress and egress. The A-pillar design is intentionally slim, contributing to enhanced visibility for a confident driving experience.

The Q30 Sport stands a little lower (1,475mm), accentuating the already distinctive, coupe-like silhouette, which is emphasised by a shallow side glass area, while also providing for agile ride and handling.

The Q30 Premium includes LED front fog lamps, body-coloured and heated door mirrors, as well as chrome dual rectangular exhaust finishers. 18-inch alloy wheels add to the Premium grade's striking appearance.

The face of the Q30 Sport is slightly different, thanks to a more purposeful front fender design with gloss black front grille. Custom body-coloured side sills give the car a striking, in-motion look, while a dynamic rear bumper is joined by dark chrome dual rectangular exhaust finishers. 19-inch alloy wheels complete the confident look of the Sport model.

"The Q30 is not the little brother or sister to siblings from larger segments – the car features a unique posture and shape that conveys the type of spontaneity and independent spirit that can only be matched by its owner." - Alfonso Albaisa, INFINITI Executive Design Director

Expressive asymmetric interior design

• Cabin challenges traditional expectations of symmetry, with wave shapes and dynamic lines
• Three trim levels aid personalisation
• Innovative use of high quality, tactile materials

"INFINITI wants to offer an environment in which the driver stays connected to the driving experience and where passengers feel relaxed in an open, aesthetically pleasing space. All occupants will appreciate a high level of artistry in the flowing, asymmetric lines." - Alfonso Albaisa, INFINITI Executive Design Director

INFINITI's bold approach to design continues inside the Q30, where buyers will find an expressive interior that challenges traditional standards of symmetry in automotive design.

The beautifully styled surfaces feature wave shapes and dynamic lines that twist apart and flow away from the driver. This 'dissymmetry' alters the conventional perception of occupant areas, creating a more pleasant environment in which to spend time.

Available trims deliver a personalised, self-expressive interior design. 'City Black' blends black upholstery with purple stitching, ideal for the all-night urbanite. 'Cafe Teak' combines classy brown and black upholstery with black stitching, providing a modern twist on traditional concepts of premium. 'Gallery White' endows Q30 with a fashionable, high-contrast appearance, featuring white leather with red accents. All three trims accentuate the Q30's stand-out interior and will add to the car's appeal for open-minded premium buyers looking for a new, creative approach to cabin design.

INFINITI interior designers have also selected the highest quality materials and processes available to create a modern-looking and luxurious cabin. For example, a super-soft, highly tactile material is used to line many of the surfaces most in contact with occupants, such as door trims and the centre armrest. Meanwhile 'Dinamica®', a new Italian suede-like material used increasingly in the high-fashion industry, has been applied to the roof-line and pillars, and Q30's seats are upholstered in Alcantara®.

Q30's two-tone contrast of interior colours and materials is inspired by the art found on traditional Japanese Hanafuda playing cards.

Intelligent packaging within the design

• Space and practicality not compromised by coupe-like stance of the exterior
• Space for occupants and luggage among best in the segment

The Q30's coupe-like design belies its interior space and functionality. The design and layout of the opulent interior gives the impression of space, with ample room for passengers and cargo.

Ranking among the best in the premium compact segment, front passenger seat width is 1,393mm; rear passenger seat width measures 1,349mm; head room (without sunroof) is 108mm in the front and 43mm in the rear of the car. There is 626mm of leg room in the front and 538mm in the back, and 1,324mm and 1,244mm of hip room front and rear, respectively.

Cargo capacity is highly competitive, notably the boot capacity of 368 litres (VDA). Aided by a wide, square aperture, and practical, squared-off dimensions, the boot will easily hold two large suitcases, with 60:40 split-fold rear passenger seats liberating additional space for larger cargo.

Minimal driving fatigue and high degree of comfort

• Low levels of noise, vibration and harshness, including unrivalled performance on the Articulation Index
• Extensive use of sound-absorbent materials and rigid body structure further reduce NVH
• Bespoke wheel and tyres contribute to lower levels of noise intrusion
• Active Noise Cancellation on 2.2-litre diesel engine inhibits booming sounds
• Active Sound Enhancement smooths out variations in engine tone

The Q30's interior has been engineered at all stages to minimise driver fatigue and deliver a high degree of comfort, commensurate with the holistic approach employed by INFINITI throughout the car's development programme. The Q30 benefits from a low level of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the cabin at all times, aided by an incredibly rigid bodyshell, the thoughtful and extensive application of sound-absorbent materials and new audio technology.

Sound levels in the cabin are lower than every one of Q30's rivals, with INFINITI sound engineers using the official Articulation Index – a standard measure of speech intelligibility in a space – to measure the quality of occupant conversation within the cabin. When driving at speeds of up to 120kph, the Q30 features a 10% improvement in audibility over the leading segment competition as a result of the remarkably low levels of noise, vibration and harshness.

The INFINITI development teams focused on reducing levels of NVH compared to rivals through the extensive use of sound-absorbent materials, reducing the impact of unwanted noise, either from the engine or exterior sound sources. The front fenders are fitted with sound insulation, while the dashboard features a high-density layer of insulation, both working to stop engine noise from intruding into the cabin. An acoustic barrier on the windscreen further cuts the impact of exterior noise.

The high-rigidity bodyshell plays a major role in the Q30's comfort levels, with the stiff structure mitigating the effects of negative noise and vibrations generated by driving over broken or inconsistent road surfaces, and allowing the suspension to soak up more effectively impacts of various sizes. Torsional body stiffness has been aided by closing sections of the body structure, using small joining parts between major sections to reinforce overall rigidity. The Q30's alloy wheels - regardless of diameter and design – are all engineered with high torsional rigidity in mind, further reducing noise and vibrations from the road.

The INFINITI Q30 boasts a class first with the addition of a new Active Noise Cancellation system, further ensuring class-leading levels of comfort in the cabin. Active Noise Cancellation emits sound waves throughout the four door speakers in order to counteract noises that may distract and fatigue driver, such as low frequency booming from the engine. Active Noise Cancellation is available exclusively to buyers of the 2.2-litre diesel engine.

By engineering a quiet, calm cabin, INFINITI engineers have been able to use the low level of base noise as a platform from which to build up a more pleasant overall sound for occupants, and improve the quality of the time spent in the Q30.

Drivers of the 2.2-litre diesel engine and 2.0-litre turbo gasoline models can stay more in tune with the dynamic performance of the Q30 with the adoption of an Active Sound Enhancement system. Equipped as standard on Q30's two larger engines, Active Sound Enhancement monitors the throttle pedal position, engine speed and total speed, and works to smooth out any variations in engine tone to project a pleasing sound under acceleration. INFINITI's development teams liken the effect of balancing the car's harmonics in this way to creating a positive musical chord, with the intention of introducing a more consistent and pleasant background noise under all driving conditions.

Supportive seats provide a secure, comfortable ride

• Seats developed for resisting fatigue, distributing load more effectively

Optimum interior comfort is guaranteed thanks to an advanced seat design, developed to further minimise occupant fatigue for a more pleasant journey.

INFINITI's approach to seat design for the Q30 has addressed key requirements for effective spinal support. Development teams found that many car seats force occupants' spines into a 'C' shape and offer very little shoulder support, placing 40% more load on the spine compared to a standing position.

The seat backs have been carefully engineered to match the curvature of the spine, providing a consistent level of support and minimising pressure on lower and upper back muscles. The supportive seats reduce the spinal curvature that many traditional seats force occupants to adopt, with a more even alignment between chest and pelvis, while extensive upper body support spreads the occupants' weight more evenly all the way up the chair.

Internal testing by INFINITI engineers showed that the Q30 seat back section distributes load more effectively than all competitors in the segment. Under a variety of driving conditions, and on non-stop journeys lasting up to three hours, Q30's new 'spinal support' seats proved more comfortable and less fatiguing than a typically-engineered seat, with consistently high levels of support for upper back, lower back, hips and thighs.

For drivers wanting a more purposeful look and appearance inside the car, the Q30 Sport is fitted with sports seats with integrated headrests, with eight-way adjustment and power lumbar support. As with the rest of the range, the sports seats are designed with the same spinal support technology, while providing keener drivers with larger side bolsters for greater support under harder cornering.