I FULLY expect there to be a rush of demand for Audi's dinky SUV, the Q2 model, which has just opened its order books with prices ranging from £20,230 to £31,170.

Those wishing to buy the four-wheel-drive version will have to wait until September, though, but an interesting entry-level model will come fitted with a mind-bogglingly frugal three-cylinder 1.0 TFSI will also be available later this year, starting the range off in the price lists. SE, Sport and S-line specification will be available from launch, while the range-topping Edition #1 model – a new designation for Audi – heads the wallet bashing end of the spectrum at £31,170.

The two engines which will be available first, will probably be the biggest sellers – the 148bhp 1.4 TFSI and 114bhp 1.6 TDI – both with manual or S-tronic transmissions. A two-litre diesel with the same rating as the TFSI and another with a stonking 187bhp will be launched later with the option of quattro AWD.

This compact SUV should stand out from the crowd for a number of reasons – bold styling and vibrant colours, plus an emphasis in 'infotainment' systems and connectivity.

Even entry-level SE versions benefit from a raft of features as standard, such as Audi's smartphone interface, a Bluetooth interface, plus MMI radio plus with controller and heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.

Sport models have bigger, 17-inch alloy wheels along with Audi drive select, which has five operational modes, cruise control, light and rain sensors and sport seats upholstered in cloth.

Stand-out features on S line models include front, side and rear styling enhancements, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with LED rear lights and dynamic sweeping rear indicators, LED interior lighting and front sport seats upholstered in cloth/leather upholstery with S embossing on the backrests. A multi-function perforated leather steering wheel is also standard.

The stand-out version, though, the Edition #1 gets 19-inch rotor alloy wheels in gloss anthracite black and an optional black styling pack extending to the front grille, rear diffuser, exterior mirrors and single-frame grille rounds off the unique appearance.

Inside, illuminated inlays in format design run across the dashboard and knee insert trim and can be lit in 10 different colours – a feature optionally available on all other specifications.

With the 1.4 TFSI, up to 54.3mpg combined is achievable, corresponding to emissions as low as 119g/km – but that's not at the expense of performance as it can do the 0-62mph run in 8.5 seconds. The 1.6 TDI will give you 64.2mpg on a combined cycle in conjunction with 114g/km of CO2 and a 0-62mph sprint time of 10.3 seconds.

From mid-2017, a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine allied exclusively to quattro all-wheel-drive and S tronic transmission will be introduced. At that point it will also be possible to combine the 150PS TDI and TFSI engines with quattro.