Audi Would Have Paid Fiat Chrysler a “Significant” Amount of Money for Q2 Name

Sources from Audi have confirmed that the automaker has failed to gain permission from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to use the Q2 nameplate for its upcoming compact SUV, which is why the model will receive the Q1 moniker.

According to company sources cited by Automotive News Europe, Audi wanted to avoid using the Q1 name because it would place the upcoming crossover too close to the Audi A1 small car, which is based on the VW Polo and is smaller than the upcoming SUV.

The sources confirmed that Audi approached Fiat for permission to use the Q2 name and that the Germans received no answer. The rights to use the Q2 name are currently held by Fiat subsidiary Alfa Romeo. One of the sources also said Audi would have paid Fiat a “significant” amount of money for the Q2 name.

However, FCA told ANE it was not aware of any approach from Audi over vehicle names. On December 27, 2014, Audi said it will start building the Q1 at the Ingolstadt plant in Germany in 2016, with the new model to go on sale in mid-2016 in Europe and possibly China.

The five-door Audi Q1 will be positioned below the Q3 and will be aimed at rivals such as the Mini Countryman. It will use VW Group’s MQB platform, which also underpins the A3. The crossover will be 10mm higher than the three-door A3 hatchback, offering a higher seating position as well as front-wheel drive or Quattro all-wheel drive.

As for the Q4 name, Audi has dismissed reports that it approached FCA to use the nameplate for a planned crossover version of the TT sports car. The Q4 moniker is currently used by Maserati for the four-wheel drive variants of the Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans. Rumor has it that Audi will call the TT crossover the TTQ.

Note: Audi Q1 official design sketch pictured

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