THE Audi Q3 sounds like the start of a quiz question about the German car manufacturer - and it has most of the answers to what makes a quality compact SUV.

In a highly competitive marketplace populated by the likes of the Ranger Rover Evoque, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA, you need a premium product to be able to compete.

Audi's offering is the smallest member of its Q family and it benefits from much of the technology present in its larger Q5 sibling as well as the option of the legendary quattro four-wheel drive system.

A recent revamp has given the model - first launched in the UK in 2011 - a timely boost with an eye-catching new front grille, wrap-around tailgate and bi-xenon headlights standard on all specifications while the mid-range S line model I drove gets LED headlamps as well as 18-inch alloy wheels.

A revised engine line up now includes three TFSI petrol engines and three TDI four-cylinder diesels including the powerful 2.0-litre oil burner under the bonnet of my test car.

This turbocharged monster - aided and abetted by the super slick S tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox - propels the Q3 from 0-62mph in a hot hatch-like time of 7.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 136mph.

The impact of this performance on the environment is minimised thanks to the inclusion of a stop-start system and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions allowing the Q3 to comply with Euro 6 Emission standards.

It is also fuel efficient with Audi claiming 52.3mpg for this version of the Q3 on a combined run - an 11 per cent improvement on the previous model.

The cabin is modern and stylish featuring a colour screen that pops up from the top of the dashboard. The Q3 is fitted with a compact version of Audi's MMI control system that allows access to the car's many treats via a small rotary controller and buttons mounted just under the central air vents.

Audi doesn't skimp on equipment so entry-level SE models get goodies including a leather multifunction steering wheel, automatic wipers and lights, rear parking sensors and cruise control while the snazzy S line model adds trinkets such as front sports seats embossed with logo and a powered tailgate.

Step up to the S line Plus trim and 19-inch wheels as well as sat nav and privacy glass will be just some of the additions.

Safety gear includes six airbags and electronic stability control with options including blind spot monitoring.

The driving position gives you a good view of the motoring world with seat and steering wheel fully adjustable.

The Q3 is an adaptable beast able to operate as a comfortable motorway cruiser as well as being adept at tackling country lanes.

There's a ton of grip allowing corners to be attacked with vigour while there is little in the way of body roll for quite an upright motor.

The ride is pretty smooth with only exceptional humps and hollows disturbing the Q3's equilibrium and the handling is sharp.

As far as space goes there's enough to cater comfortably for five adults while a useful 420-litres of boot space can be expanded to 1,325 with the rear seats folded. There are plenty of cubby holes provided with big cup holders and large door bins the order of the day.