Infiniti is looking to compete with BMW’s 1 Series and the Audi A3 with its new luxury Etherea compact coupe hatchback. Infiniti Etherea 2011

Infiniti is making a point of the Etherea being a more interesting proposition to its German rivals, aiming the product at customers that don’t want just a smaller version of a D-segment model.

The Etherea measures 4.4 metres long - only slightly longer than An Audi A3 Sportback or Alfa Romeo Giulietta - and uses a four-cylinder engine-electric hybrid powertrain.

Currently the smallest Infiniti model is the BMW 3 Series-sized G line of saloons, coupés and convertibles.