ANOTHER week, another new SUV – but one that aims to be a step or two above the rest in terms of desirability and quality.

It would be a fool who would bet against Audi’s new Q2 being anything other than a hit for the German manufacturer as it launches what it dubs a ‘compact premium SUV’ – the first of probably a few such offerings in the coming months and years.

The ethos behind it is basically that the things we class as essentials are getting smaller and better – the mobile phone, computers, even clocks – so hence the new approach with what is Audi’s eighth SUV. Or as they like to call it, the latest essential life prop.

In fact half of Audi’s global sales are SUV models, so it’s refreshing to see that the quality that permeates the bigger models they produce has filtered down to the Q2.

It is every bit an Audi in terms of fit, finish, desirability –
all the SUV genes but with a lower roof profile.

There’s a unique contrast C pillar and trim levels are SE, Sport and S line, with a top level Edition #1. Sport with the 1.4 cylinder on demand TFSI engine is expected to mop up 55 per cent of sales.

Prices start at £20,230 for the three cylinder 1.0 TFSI which arrives late this year along with a 150ps 2.0 TDI quattro, and there will be a host of customisation options to make Q2 stand out in a crowded car park.

SE and Sport models are distinguishable by their contrasting lower bumpers, side skirts and wheel arch trim in Manhattan grey, while S line gets the full body colour finish.

Audi owners like to think they’re well connected people, and in the Q2 they certainly will be. It comes with a standard MMI screen in the centre of the dash which can be operated by a rotary/push button control and two buttons on the centre tunnel. It’s a window to a whole lot of information and the Q2 comes with an embedded SIM car permanently installed in the car.

Connectivity – It’s a word they use a lot because it’s a major part of our lifestyle in 21st century UK plc.

Step inside and you’ll appreciate the claim that the Q2, though smaller, is built to the same standard as its bigger Audi brothers and sisters is no idle fob off. It is, with a cabin quality that rivals pretty well anything out there.

And out on the open road it’s no let down either, the 1.4 litre CoD unit sampled showing why it will probably be the pick of the bunch for owners.It deals with the imperfections of our country roads with a fair degree of competence and at no point leaves you struggling behind the wheel, whatever pace you choose to move at.

The premium compact SUV market is forecast to grow dramatically in coming years and with the Q2 offering kit like Audi’s virtual cockpit, the Audi smartphone interface and other class-leading technology and connectivity, it will fit the bill for the technophobes who also like to drive cars as well…..

FASTFACTS: Audi Q2 Sport 1.4 TFSI; £23,930; 1395cc four cylinder, 150ps, 250Nm; six speed manual; top speed 131mph, 0-62mph 8.5secs; fuel (17 inch wheels) – urban 42.8, extra urban 60.1, combined 52.3; CO2 124g/km.

© Wheelwrite.co.uk 2016