Mercedes-Benz engineers will develop the new British-built Infiniti Q30 hatch right up to its production form, in an effort to get the model to the market quicker.

"This is a quick program and Infiniti needs a new model in Europe fast," says Infiniti boss Johan de Nysschen. The Q30 is based on Mercedes’ new front-drive MFA platform, which underpins the new A-class.

"We will set the specifications and parameters and Mercedes will engineer the car. It is their platform," added de Nysschen. The Q30 will be engineered for production in double-quick time, taking just 18 months from design freeze to production start.

Effectively, Infiniti is contracting out the engineering development to a third party to ease the demands on its own engineering teams.

Although Infiniti didn’t discuss powertrains in the new model, it is highly likely that engines will be carry-over Mercedes units, themselves co-developed with Renault-Nissan under the joint development project with Mercedes.