MEET THE ALLIANCE

Using the MFA modular transverse architecture that also underpins the current Mercedes A/ B/GLA small cars ( Daimler and Renault/ Nissan Alliance have small shares in each other), the Q30 (and its QX30 AWD twin) is actually based on the higher-riding GLA crossover, right down to powertrain, suspension and structural hard points. Only the successfully on-brand styling, some interior components, and chassis tuning (carried out in the UK where the Q30 is built) delineate the two.

ABOVE: ‘URBAN LINE’ PACK ADDS MUCH-NEEDED SIZZLE TO AGEING 1 SERIES’ VISUALS, THOUGH ONLY DELIBERATE OPTIONS SELECTION CAN TRANSFORM ITS INTERIOR FROM AUSTERE TO AWESOME