FEWER than 20 per cent of SUVs on the road today are apparently mud-plugging four-wheel-drives.

So what's the point in owning a high-rider which usually carries a higher price tag than a hatchback for even an estate car?

Well, the UK's hugely popular body style has won us over with its spaciousness, multi-purpose layout and the extra visibility afforded by its tall stance. We just love them, particularly the smaller variety which are elbowing out the traditional hatch.

One of the leading lights is the recently facelifted Volkswagen T-Roc, a boxy five-door that sits in the range between the T-Cross and the considerably larger Tiguan.

Despite the compact external dimensions there's comfortable room for four adults and their luggage. With a cargo capacity of 445 litres, it has 65 litres more room than the Polo on which it is based.

The engine range kicks off with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder which is a bold little performer. But if you're after a strong all-rounder with a tad more clout, it's the 1.5-litre TSI which packs a healthy 148bhp that will hold greater appeal.

The engine, much utilised over the VW range, is coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, unless the automatic DG transmission is specified as an extra. We prefer the manual box with its precise, snappy change and marginally better economy.

There's no option of a mild hybrid or a version, nevertheless the fuel-injected four turbo does nicely. Clocking 62mph from rest in under nine seconds and going on to a pretty academic 129mph. All this and an average economy of getting on for 50mpg. Our own figure of 45mpg mirrored some busy town driving alongside motorway cruising.

Whether it's buzzing around town or getting a wiggle on through country lanes, the T-Roc is a strong performer. Controls are light and user friendly and the steering is sharper than most rivals with well controlled body lean through the curves.

Cornering is tidy and mainly neutral with a high level of adhesion thanks to the well-judged suspension and chunky, 55 profile tyres.

All but the worst bumps and ruts are swallowed up without difficulty and motorway miles flash by with a minimum of fuss and fatigue thanks to low mechanical and wind noise.

The cabin has been treated to a minor makeover with a new eight-inch touchscreen sprouting from the fascia. Unfortunately many of the controls are touch sensitive which actually makes them more difficult to use on the move than the old-school buttons and knobs on previous models.

Finish and the quality of the fittings and fixtures in the cabin is of a high grade, giving the passengers an impression of big car luxury.

The Match version we drove comes well equipped, with front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, heated front and rear screens, climate control, speed sensitive steering, heated exterior mirrors and hill-hold function.

On the safety front there's adaptive cruise control, predictive pedestrian protection, lane keeping system and distance monitoring system.

Perhaps not the most exciting looking exterior design masks a very accomplished and well-rounded compact SUV.

£29,750

1.5-litre, 4 cyl, 148bhp petrol engine driving front wheels via manual gearbox

129mph

8.4sec

47.1

22

135g/m

32%

3 yrs/60,000 miles

4.6