The carmaker has been hinting at a compact model for almost a year, showing the LEAF-based LE concept the 2012 Paris Motor Show and announcing at the end of the year that it would manufacture a production version at Sunderland from 2015.

While the LE was a saloon, the Q30 Concept is a five-door hatchback, suggesting a focus on European sales. However, as both cars feature the same distinctive swage line and C-pillar shape, it’s possible Infiniti is developing two versions to suit global markets.

Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company, Ltd, said: ‘This Infiniti Q30 Concept is a prelude to the product portfolio expansion which underpins our aggressive global growth strategy. 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.’

The Q30 will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.