WITH the rise in popularity of small SUVs over the past decade, it has brought increased competition to the performance SUV sector, even at the more affordable end with models such as the Hyundai Kona N and Volkswagen T-Roc R due to launch soon.

However the real heavy-hitters of the performance small SUV lie at the top of the segment. While the BMW X2 M35i and Mini Countryman JCW can claim hot hatch status, the title of segment king is realistically fought between two models – the Audi RS Q3 and Mercedes-AMG GLA45 S.

Both released in new-generation guise in the last six months, the German rivals are both supremely powerful and capable, with the AMG featuring both a higher kilowatt count and pricetag.

We took the GLA45 S out on the road to find out if it has what it takes to rule the performance crossover roost.