After many concepts, the production version of the new Infiniti Q30 active compact was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week.

Infiniti’s first entry into the fast-growing premium compact segment, the new Q30 five-door hatch, shares its underlying platform architecture and engines with the Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLA.

With its bold and artistic styling, Infiniti is aiming the new Q30 at young buyers who want expressive looks and dynamic driving performance, but don’t need a large luxury sedan to make their statement. And I think they did a good job going from concept to production car without losing its flavor.

The new Q30 will fill a void in the brand’s lineup, particularly in the United States, where we haven’t really had an entry level model since the original G20 which was shared architecturally with the Nissan Sentra. Anyone remember that one?

For the U.S. Market, the Infiniti Q30 is expected to share the same 2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine found under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz CLA which has 208 horsepower. This should give the Q30 enough power to be fun, and the economy you’d expect in a compact car.

Inside, the cabin is as expressive as its exterior with bold lines, curves and high quality materials all around. And techno-crazed buyers will not be disappointed either, with a raft of both standard and optional toys to be had.

The Infiniti Q30 will go on sale in selected markets later this year, with sales here in the US to start likely after the first of the year. Pricing not yet announced, likely to be perhaps just under $30,000.