What's all this about?

Reports are coming in that the Volkswagen Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) are at odds with each other over one of FCA's nameplates.

Which nameplate is that?

Q2 - used on Alfa Romeos to signify the addition of a limited-slip differential in front-wheel drive models.

I think I can see where this is going...

Yup, Audi badges all its SUVs as Qs and as the Ingolstadt firm is planning to build a sub-Q3-sized crossover to target the likes of the MINI Countryman, it approached FCA asking if it could pay a 'substantial' amount of money to use Q2.

Er, what's wrong with Q1?

Nothing, in essence, and indeed Audi has confirmed that the baby SUV will be called this when it goes into production next year. However, the Q1 will be built on the larger MQB platform, rather than the same underpinnings as the A1 hatchback - and that size-related confusion is what Audi wanted to avoid with the Q2 badging.

How has FCA rebuffed the Volkswagen Group?

By, apparently, completely ignoring Audi's polite request to use Q2. This might stem from the bad blood brewing between the two head honchos of FCA and the Volkswagen Group, Sergio Marchionne and Ferdinand Piech. The latter has been a long-time admirer of Alfa Romeo, with whispers constantly circulating that he's going to add the upmarket Italian marque to the Volkswagen Group fold. However, Marchionne has firmly told him to keep his paws off Alfa; perhaps it's this squabble that led to the Q2 snub. For its part, FCA asserts it has received 'no contact' whatsoever from Audi about Q2.

Hang on, weren't some Alfas also badged Q4?

Yes, for all-wheel drive variants. It is now a Maserati badge.

So did Audi ask for that as well, in case it wants to make an SUV based on a TT?

Apparently not, meaning either Q TT or - most likely - TT Q will be used for a sportier version of the Q5.

Matt Robinson - 27 Jan 2015