It has been rumored for quite some time now that Infiniti->ke36 is preparing to attack the premium segment for the first time with a new compact hatchback model. While rumors are out for about three years now, Infiniti decided to keep it a secret and only today the company confirmed that such a model is indeed under development and that it will arrive in 2015.

The model will be built as a production version for the Etherea concept unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. While previous rumors suggested such a model will be offered with an electric drive, we expect it to be offered with both gasoline and diesel engines, but also with the same hybrid power train featured in the concept.

Infiniti's new compact hatchback will be just one of the new models underlining the brand's ambition to become a major worldwide competitor. Still, it will have to take on models like Audi A3->ke1086 and BMW 1-Series->ke313 - models that are leaders on the market.

The new model will be built at the Nissan's production base in Sunderland, United Kingdom where Infiniti plans to invest around £250mn and to create an additional 1,000 jobs.

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