In 2015, Infiniti->ke36 launched a new lineage of compact vehicles that includes a hatchback->ke304 and a crossover.->ke288 They were introduced as the Q30->ke4715 and QX30,->ke5078 respectively, and they're both coming to the us. However, Infiniti decided that the cars are too similar and that they should come to North America sharing the same name.

Confused? Let me explain.

For the U.S. and Canadian markets, Infiniti grouped all models related to the Q30 hatchback under a single moniker, the QX30. Specifically, whereas Europe and other markets will get the hatchback with a Q30 badge, U.S customers will order it as the QX30. The sports version of the hatch, launched as the Q30S at the Los Angeles Auto Show,->ke211 will be marketed as the QX30S.

Finally, the QX30, essentially a raised hatchback with cladding around the wheel arches and the side skirts, will be sold as the QX30 AWD. As the name suggests, the crossover will be the only one to feature an all-wheel-drive system, while the QX30 and QX30S will be front-wheel-drive.

All three models will be motivated by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that cranks out 208 horsepower through a seven-speed, dual-clutch, automatic gearbox. As a brief reminder, the powerplant is borrowed from the third-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, on which Infiniti's premium hatch and crossover are based on.

U.S. and Canadian sales will begin in mid-2016, with starting prices set around $30,000.

Continue reading for the full story.

Why it matters

Although it makes sense given that the Q30 and QX30 are almost the same, this new nomenclature is a bit confusing, mostly due to the fact that the hatchback was already marketed as the Q30 on these shores. Also, the U.S. will get a hatchback with a "QX" badge that Infiniti usually uses for crossovers and SUVs. All told, while it brings a lineup of compact vehicles under the same umbrella, it causes a breach in a nomenclature system Infiniti created only a couple of years ago. At least here in the U.S. Sure, it won't make much of a difference to most customers, but it's a fine example of how automakers can screw up an entire naming system with just one model. At least Mercedes-Benz->ke187 sells the A-Class->ke452 and GLA-Class,->ke4658 which are identical to the Q30 and QX30 except for the sheetmetal, as two separate model lines.

Infiniti Q30

Read our full review on the Infiniti Q30 here.