THE beefed-up version of Infiniti's new compact model will cost from under £30,000 when it goes on sale in the UK this summer.

The QX30 is described as a premium active crossover and gives the latest Q30 line up added impetus.

The QX30 will be built in Britain alongside the hatch at Infiniti's new facility at the Nissan car factory in Sunderland and both models share their underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

When it goes on sale the QX30 will be available in two trim levels, equipped with a 170bhp 2.2d diesel engine with an intelligent all-wheel drive system and seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The QX30 Premium starts at £29,490 and the top grade QX30 Premium Tech will be available from £33,370 - some £2,000 more than the regular Q30.

Both versions of the QX30 had their European debut at last month's Geneva Motor Show.

Infiniti says it hopes to attract customers seeking a crossover that can manage urban, winding or rural roads and as well as its automated all-wheel-drive system for added grip the QX30 also has a raised body for extra ground clearance.