Infiniti Essence showcases new small car

Infiniti’s small car project is on track to be previewed by a concept at next spring’s Geneva motor show, according to well placed sources.

Nissan’s luxury division is said to be preparing a style-led three-door, possibly mixing coupé cues with a measure of hatchback practicality in the same manner as Mercedes’ soon-to-be-discontinued CLC. It’s likely to be based on a front-drive platform sourced from the next-gen A-class as part of a tie-up between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan alliance.

Insiders have now revealed that Geneva showgoers will be given an early sight of the car, which is regarded by Infiniti as a crucial model as it aims to crack western Europe. The car could then be revealed in production form next autumn, at either the Frankfurt or Tokyo motor show.

“Next year’s Geneva concept will be something pretty special, and pretty different,” said a source. “It’s a small car, but not what you might expect.”Insiders also say the concept will be “close” to the production car. It’s likely the styling for both is being overseen by Infiniti designers working at the firm’s studio near Paddington in London.

Meanwhile, the new diesel-powered Infiniti M30d is expected to make up about 55 per cent of the model’s sales across western Europe, but the firm admits that figure could be as high as 80 per cent in some markets. Infiniti hopes to sell around 2000 examples of the car in Europe next year.