Infiniti released the first design sketch of a brand-new model which will be revealed, in concept form, at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. It’s called the Q30, and in describing it Infiniti puts a big emphasize on the word ‘premium’.

The Q30 is a compact Infiniti vehicle that introduces the brand into a segment they have never tried before. Design-wise, it is an evolution of the same styling method that spawned the Q50 sedan, and features many lustrous curves and soft angles, all converging at the front of the vehicle, ending in the signature headlights and front grille that is the corporate look of the brand and mark the car as an Infiniti. It also draws more than cue from Infiniti’s previous concept cars – Essence, Etherea and Emerg-e.

Infiniti’s decision to enter the compact hatchback segment, by their own admission, is a radical move, but one that is necessary for portfolio expansion. They have enough sedans and SUVs. It is time to try something new, especially as the parent company Nissan knows a thing or two about making fine hatchbacks.

“This Infiniti Q30 Concept is a prelude to the product portfolio expansion which underpins our aggressive global growth strategy,” said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company, Ltd.  “In our quest to appeal to the modern, young-minded premium customer, the Infiniti Q30 Concept has a distinctive style and reaches new levels of product quality.”