Two years after the unveiling of a concept car that previewed it, the 2017 Infiniti Q30 compact luxury hatchback will launch at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

Nissan's luxury brand confirmed the launch yesterday, for the same show where that concept--in reality a thinly-disguised version of the production car--appeared in 2013.

[UPDATE: On July 21, Infiniti released its first official photo of the production Q30 compact hatchback, which it will officially launch at the Frankfurt show. We've added that to our photo gallery, above.]

DON'T MISS: Infiniti QX30 Concept: Small Luxury SUV Previews New Model At 2015 Geneva Show

The 2017 Q30 will be Infiniti's first compact vehicle, going up against the Lexus CT 200h, the Audi A3, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA, among other small luxury models.

It will be followed relatively soon by the QX30 model, effectively a high-riding version of the same vehicle.

Infiniti QX30 Concept - 2015 Geneva Motor Show

Infiniti QX30 Concept - 2015 Geneva Motor Show

You can think of it in the same vein as the Subaru XV Crosstrek crossover utility vehicle, a more aggressive version of the conventional Impreza hatchback.

The pair of Infinitis are built on the same underpinnings as the Mercedes CLA four-door sedan and GLA crossover hatchback, boosting economies of scale and cutting costs for both automakers.

ALSO SEE: Infiniti Q30 Concept Hints At Smaller, Greener Luxury Hatch (Aug 2013)

European-market Q30 models will come standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive will be optional, just as it is on the CLA.

The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed automatic, again paralleling the Mercedes compact models.

Infiniti Q30 concept, 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show

Infiniti Q30 concept, 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show

But while Mercedes is a well-known brand that has recently adopted more expressive lines--both in the CLA and in the newer S-Class and C-Class generations--Infiniti has a less well-defined image.

Design chief Alberto Albaisa explains that he and his team want the cars to appeal both to "lust and logic" in their design.

MORE: Mercedes-Benz CLA 250: Gas Mileage Review Of Compact Luxury Sedan (Jul 2014)

While the five-door hatchback is a logical and practical configuration for European buyers, the designers hope that the car's sensual lines will make it an object of desire as well.

From the reverse-curve roof pillar to the large Infiniti grille, the Q30 seems likely to stand out from more angular German luxury compacts.

Infiniti Q30 concept, 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show

Infiniti Q30 concept, 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show

Only time will tell whether that will be sufficient to make the Q30 and QX30 a success.

The Infiniti Q30 will be in showrooms before the end of the year in Europe, its main market. It will likely arrive in North America next year.

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