SOME might say the primary USP for premium German car makers Audi, BMW and Mercedes is a badge that exudes excellence and desirability but a case could also be made for offering a diverse range that covers just about every base imaginable.

This Teutonic trio have always been fierce competitors and latterly this contest seems to have focused on offering an ever-expanding range.

Over the past 16 years Audi has seen its range expand from 17 to 52 models and far from reaching the finishing post it would seen that trend is set to continue.

One of the fastest-growing sub groups within the Audi range is its SUV line-up.

Audi got the ball rolling some time back with the launch of the truly cavernous Q7.

Since then it has added the Q5 and Q3 to the range and the downsizing has continued with the latest addition to Audi's SUV family in the shape of the Q2.

All have their role to play and a differing customer base to appeal to and the Q2 is a car that could do very well for Audi.

The car maker expects it to be one of its big sellers and it's easy to see why.

As buyers increasingly shift towards SUVs and crossovers the Q2 offers a great alternative to a conventional family hatchback and also represents a fairly affordable way of buying into the Audi brand.

An entry-level 1.0-litre TFSI SE model is available for just a shade over £20,000.

As well as that impressive 1.0-litre engine, which combines potency and frugality to great effect, buyers can also chose from a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engines plus 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbo diesels.

The trim grades mover from SE through Sport, S line and Edition #1.

Equipment levels are decent throughout the range, though given the extensive list of options available it would be very easy to go overboard.

Even entry-level SE comes with cruise control, electrically adjustable door mirrors, rear parking sensor, CD autochanger and plenty more besides.

One of the great strengths of the Q2 is that it fits rather a lot into a relatively small package.

It might be Audi's smallest SUV but there's little scrimping on space and inside it feels surprisingly open and roomy.

It has a decent sized boot (405 litres) and if you utilise its load-lugging capacity to the full there's an impressive 1,050 litres of space with the rear seats folded down.

Its practicality is also enhanced with some clever storage solutions like noticeably deep door bins, four cup holders and a large container box between the front seats.

Best of all it has a surprisingly big car kind of feel thanks to the trademark Audi fit and finish which really is exemplary.

Audi are still the pace-setters in this regard and smaller models retain a level of excellence one might expect to be the preserve of larger and more expensive cars in the range.

From an exterior design perspective the Q2 has that instantly recognisable Audi character and one or two design flourishes that help set it apart.

Chief among them is a silver rear pillar which is a distinguishing feature that might not be to all tastes but it is very in vogue currently and without doubt helps the Q2 stand out.

To drive the Q2 is pretty decent and while there's a little of that SUV feel due to the added ride height its compact dimensions mean its handling is sharp and distinctly car-like.