It's been a little more than a year since the Q30 Concept debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show,->ke235 and the production version of Infiniti's compact hatchback->ke304 is finally taking shape. Spotted for the very first time in November 2014, the Q30 prototype returns to public roads for some proper winter testing. Unfortunately, Infiniti->ke36 has yet to relieve the Q30 of its thick camouflage and there are no new details to gaze at except for the extra duct tape and a different set of wheels.

That's not to say the upcoming Infiniti Q30 is a mystery. We actually know quite a lot about the company's premium compact, including the fact that it rides on a Mercedes-Benz->ke187 platform and uses a turbo-four sourced from the same manufacturer. If you're wondering why is there a Mercedes engine in an Infiniti, then we will remind you that Nissan->ke62 and Daimler signed a partnership that enables the companies to share technology and save money at the same time.

The first results of this cooperation are already in dealerships and include the brand-new Smart ForTwo, which is based on the Renault Twingo,->ke1110 as well as a host of Renault-powered Mercedes-Benz A-->ke452 and B-Class->ke2751 models. The Q30 is the next child to come from this marriage and from the looks of things, it's the most exciting product yet.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Infiniti Q30.

2016 Infiniti Q30 - Spy Shots

The Q30 may be camouflaged to the teeth, but we have a good idea of what's under the black wrap. And we have the Q30 Concept to thank for that, because this is exactly what we'll get in dealerships for the 2016 model year. Of course, the production car will arrive without the concealed door handles, the fancy side mirrors or the aggressive front apron, but we still expect the Q30 to be one of the sexiest vehicles in this segment.

As we previously mentioned, the Q30 rides on Mercedes-Benz underpinnings. Specifically, it shares the same MFA architecture found under the A-Class, B-Class, CLA-Class->ke3130 and GLA-Class.->ke4658 It's also expected to share a few engines with the aforementioned models, including the tried-and-true, turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-banger in both gasoline and diesel guises. The hatch could also receive other smaller four-cylinder engine from the A-Class range.

Production of the Infiniti Q30 will commence in late 2015 in Sunderland, UK, with the first U.S.-spec units to cross the pond in early 2016. The hatchback, which will compete against heavyweights such as the Audi A3,->ke1086 BMW 1 Series->ke313 and the Mercedes A-Class, will be joined by a crossover version wearing a QX30 badge.

2013 Infiniti Q30 Concept

Why it matters

It's great to see Infiniti join the premium compact hatchback->ke304 segment at last. With bold looks, a well-crafted interior and powerful, yet efficient powertrains, the Q30 has everything it needs to give the Germans a run for their money. What's more, should the Q30 become successful in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz and Audi might finally bring along the A3 hatch and the A-Class in North American dealerships.