DISTINCTIVE, luxurious and tireless in performance are three simple reasons why the prestige SUV sector is so popular.

The players are immaculately prepared and fit so well into their genre that it can be difficult for prospective buyers to separate their attributes.

Audi has been playing this SUV game since 2006 when it released its first model – the large Q7 – that set the scene for the more compact Q5 (2009) and Q3 (2011).

It’s important to note that these Q-ships are not necessarily made for four-wheel drive adventures, rather they appeal to a market that wants space and grace, plus a bit of capability when the weather turns sour.

The Audi didn’t invent the genre but it quickly created technology that was appreciated by its rivals.

Now it is in its second generation and arrives with barely any component carried over from its predecessor. It’s still big, but is fractionally smaller than before.

Unlike before, it’s now only one model – until more arrive in the new year – with one drivetrain and a long options list.

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