Audi created the Q3 out of new expectations, or so the original ad campaign would have us believe. They were expectations that few people knew they had because the market into which the Q3 emerged was a niche one.

Whether by luck or judgement, it turned out that Audi were onto something and compact SUVs are now a common sight on our roads. I’m pretty certain no one is quite sure what they’re for, but car-buying is rarely an exercise in practicality.

Three years on from that moment of inspiration and I was given the chance to put the Q3 through its paces and see what all the fuss is about.

My test car arrived in Audi’s Misano Red. Bright, I think, is the most apt description for this particular shade. However, it’s the huge chrome grill that really catches the eye and leaves no doubt as to which particular stable this thoroughbred belongs.

It’s a familiar story when you step inside. Even if you ignore the four chrome rings on the hub of the steering wheel, it’s hard to mistake the cabin for anything other than an Audi. It’s beautifully laid out, uncluttered and the quality of the materials is absolutely first class. This is a car you want to be in, even before you drive it.

It’s not quite the same story for those stuck in the back, however. Legroom, unsurprisingly, is on a par with a most small hatchbacks but what did come as a shock was the distinct lack of headroom, particularly given the more upright stance of the car. And that’s despite a recessed area in the roof.

Back in the driver’s seat I can, literally, put the lack of room in the back behind me. The engine, 1.4-litre turbocharged unit with stop/start, is a little gem. It’s quiet, refined and more than capable of coping with the extra weight that the Q3 carries compared to its classmates.

I found the steering a little light at low speeds and, while it improved markedly as the car picked up pace, it still lacked a little feel. The extra height means that body roll is a little more pronounced but, given that the laws of physics always have a distinct advantage, Audi have done an excellent job of keeping it to a minimum.

The boot will take up to 460 litres of your luggage, with the rear seats in place which compares favourably with the A3 Sportback’s 380.

The Q3 is comfortable, spacious (in the front at least) and reasonably good fun to drive, but then so is the A3 in saloon and hatchback form. What the Q3 does offer, however, is the chance to look down on other drivers and that, judging by number of SUVs on our roads, is something we all enjoy doing.

PRICE: £25,850

AS TESTED: £30,980

ENGINE: 1.4 TFSI

POWER: 150PS @ 5,000 - 6,000rpm

TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual

ACCELERATION: 0-62mph: 9.2 secs

MAXIMUM SPEED: 126mph

URBAN: 38.2mpg

EXTRA-URBAN: 56.5mpg

COMBINED: 47.9mpg

CO2 EMISSIONS: 137g/km

For more information about the Q3 and other cars in the Audi range click here.