THE Q2 is the newest and smallest member of Audi's SUV range and aims to offer some German crossover chic in a more compact package than the Q3, Q5 and Q7.

It also broadens the premium German marque's appeal, targeting younger buyers with some sharp design language, a range of personalisation options and an array of brightly coloured paint jobs with names like Tango Red, Ara Blue, Coral Orange and Vegas Yellow.

This is bold territory indeed by normally reserved Audi standards, although the two different shades of black, two whites and three greys available should also keep the traditionalists happy.

Whatever the colour, however, there is no denying that the Q2 is one of the more distinctive models in Audi's extensive stable.

A raised ride height, bold grille and muscular bumpers provide the fashionable SUV touches but are fused with a sloping coupe-style roof and rising shoulder line, which is emphasised by a striking angular section scooped out of the doors.

The key distinguishing feature, though, is the contrasting colour detail of the broad rear pillar, which is configurable in four different shades, depending on specification.

This, coupled with a range of interior upholstery choices, inlays and ambient lighting options, creates a range of personalisation possibilities which, although not in the same league as a MINI, offer plenty of opportunity to make the Q2 very much your own.

Power comes from the familiar Audi range of 1.0, 1.4 and 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engines as well as 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesels. The 2.0-litres are both paired with the quattro all-wheel drive system and a seven-speed S-tronic automatic transmission.

The others can be had with either the automatic or a smooth six-speed manual gearbox, the exception being the 1.0-litre, which is only available as a manual.

This three-cylinder unit aims to offer diesel-like fuel economy - more than 55mpg is the claimed average - while using turbo power to maintain performance levels.

It proves punchy and lively in urban traffic, actually feeling a little nippier than the 0-62mph time of 10.1 seconds might suggest, and has enough puff to keep up on the motorway.

Progressive power steering makes for some responsive, nimble handling with a stiffened chassis offering good body control and flat cornering while still keeping the ride the right side of comfortable - making the Q2 an enjoyable and easy car to drive.

Inside, the odd bit of scratchy plastic belies the fact that this is one of Audi's cheaper models but generally the quality is still superior to most rivals in the Q2's class.

Space is adequate rather than generous, with three adults in the back being a bit of a squeeze and rear head and legroom a little tight, while at 405 litres the boot is about average for the class and we found that a full week's shopping overflowed onto the back seat.

The dashboard is pretty much lifted out of the A3 and incorporates a seven-inch multimedia display controlled via a rotary dial and shortcut switches in the centre console.

Mid-range Sport trim also gets Bluetooth, Apple and Android smartphone connectivity, digital radio, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Typically of Audi, however, many of the more desirable features, such as a reversing camera, are only available as options and add-ons will soon bump up the price if you're not careful.