Infiniti has shown the first image of its new Q30 hatchback which will be an entry model for the Japanese premium brand.

The new model will be shown in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show at the start of next month.

It will be a rival to the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 in 2015 and Infiniti will be hoping it can unlock some volume for the brand which is still building from a small base of eight dealers in the UK.

Infiniti registrations reached 530 units last year. The brand has registered 266 units so far this year.

The Q30 will be built at parent company Nissan’s Sunderland factory and Infiniti is aiming for the new model to attract “young-minded premium customers” to the brand.

Johan de Nysschen, president of Infiniti Motor Company, said: “This Infiniti Q30 Concept is a prelude to the product portfolio expansion which underpins our aggressive global growth strategy.”

Infiniti will be using its brand affiliation with Sebastian Vettel, F1 driver and Infiniti’s director of performance to influence the design of the car from its inception. Vettel has already influenced a special edition Infiniti FX which is priced at £100,800.