POSH SUVs with a premium badge are rarely a snip.

They are, after all, a fashion statement as well as being practical and family friendly. Add the advantage of plug-in hybridisation and the chance of a bargain decreases still further.

But sift through the price lists and you may spot the Audi Q3. Within a range that kicks off at under £50,000, the pick of the bunch is possibly the 45 TFSI e S Line, which for around £43,000, combines impressive frugality and low tax alongside punchy performance.

As with the majority of high-riders, it's driven by the two front wheels rather than being a 4WD, although there's the option of Quattro all-paw drive.

With no less than 241bhp available, it's hardly surprising that the five-door picks up its heels in sprightly fashion. 62mph comes up in less than eight seconds and it tops out at 131mph. The electric part of the power accounts for 114bhp, while emissions are pegged at 44g/km, making it very BiK friendly for company car users.

The 45 TFSI feels every inch an Audi, with superbly finished cabin, smart easy to use controls and the sort of fit you expect from a premium manufacturer.

It's not the most roomy SUV in its sector. Those in the front are well catered for with ample shoulder and legroom. In the rear legroom is a tad tight if the front seats are extended rearwards. Headroom is ok for those under six feet tall.

The sloping tailgate looks smart and sporty but restricts luggage space somewhat. Nevertheless the boot holds 380litres of luggage which is not as roomy as some of its rivals. Inevitably, the battery eats into some of the cargo space.

From a driver's view point the Q3 delivers nicely with taught, roll-free handling, plenty of grip and a responsive engine that's linked to a slick S Tronic six-speed automatic gearbox complete with steering wheel paddles.

Start up and it runs at first on electric power - silent and immediate. On the open road, it switches seamlessly to the combustion unit.

Press on and the Q3's natural agility reveals itself. The Quattro version may have the advantage on icy or muddy routes, but the reduced weight of the front drive model proves beneficial in normal everyday conditions. The S line, tested here, comes shod with 19-inch wheels and wearing low profile rubber - the ride though comfortable may be more supple with smaller 17-inch wheels.

The electric only range is around 25miles which allows most owners an economical commute. Overall we averaged 44mpg - pretty good for a swiftly driven five-door.

Noise levels are subdued with very little tyre rumble or wind noise. The 1.4litre petrol unit can get a tad vocal when revved hard, but is relaxed and refined at cruising speeds.

Standard spec is on the generous side of lavish with sat-nav, heated seats, sensors and climate control all included.

Less bulky than its Russian doll-like brothers, the Q5 and Q7, this model blends good driving manners, economy and prestige into a surprisingly affordable package.

£42,720

1.4-litre petrol hybrid, 4cyl, 240bhp engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox

130mph

: 7.3sec

: 148.7

32

44g/km

14%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.4