SUCH is the explosive nature of Audi's product launch programme that it is virtually covering the premium class landscape.

There are virtually no gaps left to mind, but conscious of the boom in SUV sales and equally aware that not every customer looking in this sector wants something big with the capability to drag them up a hillside or down vale, the German company has found a new entry point in the compact premium SUV arena.

Enter the Q2, the eighth and smallest SUV in the Audi range, which sits below the Q7, Q5 and Q3.

The importance of the Q2 to Audi is brought into focus by the fact that half of the firm's global sales are in the SUV sector.

So what we have here is - depending on the size of your wallet and how much you are prepared to shell out - a smaller SUV available with all the latest connectivity gadgets and parking/driving aids that have already debuted in the Q2's big brothers.

It is built on the MQB modular frame using ultra lightweight materials and can be bought with either quattro four-wheel drive or front wheel drive in a choice of four specifications - SE, Sport, S-Line and Edition #1.

Audi is rightly in confident mood about its new baby, which does not have a direct competitor. With a colour palette that is unusually bright, there's an aura of fun about the car, yet it lacks for nothing in terms of quality and engineering.

The low roof profile and huge front grille give it plenty of presence, while inside there are even changeable LED inlays to bring more colour to your cabin. On the practical side, your rear seat passengers will find a decent amount of legroom and there's more than enough boot space for most needs.

Later this year an entry-level three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI will be available, with prices starting at £20,230. For now, prices start at £22,380 for SE trim - representing excellent value in the premium sector. There's a £1,550 jump to the Sport trim, which is expected to find most buyers, and a further £2,250 to find for S-line trim.

Standard equipment on SE models includes progressive steering, a smartphone interface, Audi pre-sense front with pedestrian recognition, 16-inch alloy wheels and LED lights.

Sport models - expected to find most customers - gain 17-inch alloy wheels, the Audi drive select system with five operational modes, cruise control, light and rain sensors and sport seats upholstered in cloth.

Stand-out features on S line models include the hallmark front, side and rear styling enhancements, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with LED rear lights and sweeping rear indicators, LED interior lighting and front sport seats upholstered in cloth and leather with S embossing on the backrests. A multi-function perforated leather steering wheel is also standard, featuring S-Line badging.

The engine choice at launch comprises a 150PS 1.4 TFSI and 115PS 1.6 TDI, both with manual or S tronic transmissions, and 2.0 TDI 150PS with the option of quattro all-wheel drive.

Having tried out both the petrol and smaller diesel engines, I would plump for the very smooth petrol offering, a tried and tested perfect match for a car of this size. And mate it with the brilliant S tronic automatic transmission.

The 1.4 TFSI uses cylinder-on-demand technology to reduce fuel consumption by deactivating the second and third cylinders during partial loads and when coasting. As a result, up to 54.3mpg combined is achievable, corresponding to emissions as low as 119g/km.

Acceleration to 62mph takes only 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 131mph.

There's a host of options to choose from, and top of my list would be the Audi virtual cockpit instrument panel.

Both SE and Sport models are equipped with contrasting lower bumpers, side skirts and wheel arch trims in matching grey, while the

signature S-line full body colour finish further enhances the appeal.

At the top of the Q2 range, the Edition #1 is quite literally a one-off. It has a grey paint finish,C-pillar blades painted in black and 19-inch alloy wheels in gloss anthracite black with a diamond cut rim. A black styling pack extending to the single-frame grille, rear diffuser and exterior mirrors also adds to the visual impact. Inside, illuminated inlays in format design run across the dashboard and knee insert trim and can be lit in 10 different colours, while the front sports seats are upholstered in leather.

Given the public appetite for SUVs, the Q2 will no doubt prove to be a big seller for Audi. And rightly so, because this is a big deal in a smaller package.

AT A GLANCE

Audi Q2 1.4TFSI S-line S tronic

Price: £27,045 (Q2 range from £20,230)

Engine: Four-cylinder with cylinder-on-demand 1.4-litre petrol, producing 150PS

Transmission: Seven-speed S tronic dual clutch automatic (six-speed manual available), driving front wheels

Performance: 0 to 62mph in 8.5 seconds; top speed 131mph

Economy: 54.3mpg combined

CO2 emissions: 119g/km

LOWDOWN

Performance: ****

Economy: ****

Ride/Handling: ****

Space/Practically: ****

Equipment: ****

Security/Safety: *****

Value For Money: ****

OVERALL: ****