Infiniti is certainly one of the few brands which make that walk into luxury with its vehicles thrilling and stiring the senses. What this luxury brand really lacked though is a car in the compact segment. Since the G20 was dismissed back in 2002, Infiniti had to bring new customers into showrooms and enter into competition with other luxury makers. A new compact hatchback is to rival Audi A3, Lexus CT200h, and BMW 1-series. Meanwhile, the key point is that the model will share the platform with Mercedes-Benz B-class presented at the Frankfurt show last autumn.

The new chassis is likely to bring a level of premium credibility to the hatchback. At least, the automaker pins its hopes on that. Expect the basic powertrains to be gasoline, but hybrid as well as fully electric versions are both possible.

2013 Infiniti Etherea is built with emphasis on style in mind, definitely not the utility. Even though only minor details are known about the model’s styling, it’s quite clear that Infiniti gave the boost we, the enthusiasts were looking for. The upcoming Etherea will have the atypical design for a five-door hatchback. The two-box shape like the Audi A3′s will be a thing of a past.

2012 Detroit Auto Show

2014 Infiniti Compact Hatchback is to roll out in 2013 with a price below $30,000.

Image Credit: Guide Auto, Car and Driver, Guide to Detroit