'MERCILESS Moors' was the banner headline on my woeful story of trekking across the beautiful but often hostile North Yorkshire Moors.

It was an account of my first attempt to transverse, by foot, several decades ago, the gruelling terrain with a group of sixth-formers.  

It ended in failure as the moors and elements, namely Monsoon rain, engulfed us, after only 26 miles.

Second time round, several years on, saw a painful but successful 20-hour slog on the 43-mile Lyke Wake Walk which made me the proud owner of a trophy T-shirt and tie.

Even the service crew had their work cut out tackling fairly demanding roads which were, in essence, little more than goat tracks.

So I had to take my hat off to Audi for choosing the challenging location for the launch of its new Q3 compact SUV.

Brave, stupid - or maybe the Audi team was oblivious to the cruel elements that can rapidly envelope this rugged landscape within minutes - not to mention the roughly-hewn single track roads that vanish into hairpins or hump-backed blindspots.

Maybe the Germans were fully aware of the hostile conditions that Mother Nature can impose at a whim there yet had every confidence in putting the new SUV through some very exacting paces? 

But the Q3 didn't complain and came through with flying colours.

The Q3 is the smallest in the Audi SUV Q-Series - next up is the Q5, followed by the even bigger Q7 - but despite its compact contours it is a valiant contender in the hotly-contested premium segment of the chic compact SUV market.

It will vie for pole position with the BMW X1 and the Range Rover Evoque.

First impressions are good. The Q3 has Audi DNA threaded right through it and is billed as the most aerodynamic vehicle in its class.  

It exudes a proud, sporty and quite muscular personality, which is enhanced by large alloy wheels.

The design brief deliberately focused on producing a style which conveys ruggedness and strength, yet despite the macho overtones, the Q3 has a strong sporty character, helped by the sloping coupe-like roof, short overhangs and wrap-around tailgate.

Four engines are available, all directly injected and turbocharged and with stop-start and energy recuperation systems.  

They are the 2. 0-litre TFSI 170ps and 2. 0-litre TFSI 211ps petrol units and the 2. 0-litre TDI 140ps and 2. 0-litre TDI 177ps diesel units.

The 211ps petrol and 177ps diesel models benefit from new development of S tronic twin-clutch seven-speed transmissions - where the clutch disengages during coasting periods to reduce draw on the engine.  

The 170ps petrol and 140ps diesel units have six-speed transmissions as standard. There has been considerable effort put in to whittling down the aerodynamics and shedding weight, with some impressive results in terms of emissions and mpg returns.

For instance, the 2.0-litre 170ps petrol model, which has a 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and top speed of 132mph, gives a combined fuel return of 38.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 174g/km.

The 211ps petrol model with a 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 143mph returns an average consumption of 36.7mpg and slighly higher CO2.

Turning to the diesels, the 177ps, with a 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds and maximum speed of 132mph, manages an average fuel return of 47.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 156g/km, while the efficiency-focused 2. 0-litre TDI 140ps front-wheel drive only model returns 54.3mpg.

A two-hour encounter in mist-shrouded moors was done at the wheel of the 2. 0-litre TDI 177ps quattro SE S tronic model, which provided bags of peace of mind as the Q3 dug into dishevelled lumps of Tarmac and scattered shale, not to mention peat bogs running perilously close to the so-called roads.

With headlights and fogs blazing, the 'Merciless Moors' became engulfed in fog and low cloud as we ploughed on.  

As if poor visibility wasn't enough, the rough roads, for the most, had cambers that veered off in the most unexpected direction, so it was caution 360 degrees.

But the Q3 - billed as the perfect choice for those who live in the "big city jungle" - rallied forth competently and confidently, proving it could handle tough, open country roads - and tracks without issue.

Switching to the petrol 2. 0-litre TFSI 211ps quattro, brought a more energetic response, not that the earlier diesel had displayed any lethargy, achieving decent sprints right through the range.  

Officially 0-62mph is achieved in 8. 2 seconds. Amazing grip, sure-footedness and superb braking was highy impressive, particularly when kamikaze sheep darted into the headlights.

Equally impressive was the Q3's composure. The cars were thrown around a good deal, but not the occupants and the ride, though firm, was very good.

Quality build, inside and out, was impeccable and the Q3, despite its compact contours, is very pleasant and comfortable.

The two above quattro models were priced at £27,650, but paintwork, leather interiors and a host of mind-boggling extras, pushed the price on the launch models up to £33,900 (for the 2.0 TDI 177ps) and £40,520 (2.0-litre TFSI 211ps).

The range price runs from £24,560 to £31,360 and you will have to take into account the potential cost of a mountain of options.