I remember a time when buying a crossover signals the end of singlehood and marks the start of parental compromises. This is perhaps the fault of the crossover boom, no thanks in part to the popularity of cars like the Uber-fied Honda Vezel and the family-loving Nissan Qashqai.

As a result, we tend to think of crossovers as cars for the uncool. But that's all about to change with the introduction of modish models such as the Audi Q2, the Jeep Renegade and the MINI Cooper Countryman, of which the American-dreamed, Italian-built Renegade is the latest to join the lot.

I like the way you look

In terms of design, the Renegade seems to be a smaller rounded adaption of the iconic Wrangler. Depending on how big a fan you are of the latter, this could be a good or bad thing. To us, it's a great attempt by Jeep at remodelling a classic for broader mass-market appeal.

That's, however, not to say that the other two Europeans in this fight out aren't much of an eyeful because the Q2's hawkish demeanour will definitely appeal to sporty city types, while the Countryman's meaty proportions accord it a great deal of unmistakable road presence.

I like the way you move

Looks aside, it is in the way they drive that really sets these three cars apart, and this is where the Q2 and Countryman outshine the Renegade.

Compared to the aforementioned Wrangler, the Renegade is a big step forward in terms of driving refinement for the brand.

Wound up above 3,000rpm, its turbocharged 1.4-litre powerplant provides decent performance and is pretty refined, but loses out significantly to the levels offered by both Audi and MINI.

The Q2 is equally adept, if not better, at spirited driving and carving corners, but just a little bit uninvolving compared to the Countryman. However, most buyers in this segment won't be too troubled by this, considering the compact Q2 makes up for its lack of feel with a very, very easy drive.

I like being inside you

If you want your crossover to be as easy to live with as possible, the Q2 seems to be the obvious answer, thanks to its clean and highly ergonomically designed cabin.

The downside of the Q2 is that it offers the least amount of cabin space of the three, but that's understandable given its petite frame.

Build quality and materials used are on par with the Countryman; although the latter's quirkier layout and controls do take some getting used to. But after about an hour in the car, you should be more or less familiarised.

The Countryman is also the only car equipped with electric driver and front passenger seats, and rear air-conditioning as standard. The MINI also offers the most boot space at 450 litres, outsizing the Q2's 405 litres and the Renegade's 351 litres.

Interior quality of the Renegade is admittedly several rungs below what we found in the Q2 and the Countryman, but is well-insulated and spacious enough for comfortable living.

I remember a time when buying a crossover signals the end of singlehood and marks the start of parental compromises. This is perhaps the fault of the crossover boom, no thanks in part to the popularity of cars like the Uber-fied Honda Vezel and the family-loving Nissan Qashqai.

As a result, we tend to think of crossovers as cars for the uncool. But that's all about to change with the introduction of modish models such as the Audi Q2, the Jeep Renegade and the MINI Cooper Countryman, of which the American-dreamed, Italian-built Renegade is the latest to join the lot.

I like the way you look

In terms of design, the Renegade seems to be a smaller rounded adaption of the iconic Wrangler. Depending on how big a fan you are of the latter, this could be a good or bad thing. To us, it's a great attempt by Jeep at remodelling a classic for broader mass-market appeal.

That's, however, not to say that the other two Europeans in this fight out aren't much of an eyeful because the Q2's hawkish demeanour will definitely appeal to sporty city types, while the Countryman's meaty proportions accord it a great deal of unmistakable road presence.

I like the way you move

Looks aside, it is in the way they drive that really sets these three cars apart, and this is where the Q2 and Countryman outshine the Renegade.

Compared to the aforementioned Wrangler, the Renegade is a big step forward in terms of driving refinement for the brand.

Wound up above 3,000rpm, its turbocharged 1.4-litre powerplant provides decent performance and is pretty refined, but loses out significantly to the levels offered by both Audi and MINI.

The Q2 is equally adept, if not better, at spirited driving and carving corners, but just a little bit uninvolving compared to the Countryman. However, most buyers in this segment won't be too troubled by this, considering the compact Q2 makes up for its lack of feel with a very, very easy drive.

I like being inside you

If you want your crossover to be as easy to live with as possible, the Q2 seems to be the obvious answer, thanks to its clean and highly ergonomically designed cabin.

The downside of the Q2 is that it offers the least amount of cabin space of the three, but that's understandable given its petite frame.

Build quality and materials used are on par with the Countryman; although the latter's quirkier layout and controls do take some getting used to. But after about an hour in the car, you should be more or less familiarised.

The Countryman is also the only car equipped with electric driver and front passenger seats, and rear air-conditioning as standard. The MINI also offers the most boot space at 450 litres, outsizing the Q2's 405 litres and the Renegade's 351 litres.

Interior quality of the Renegade is admittedly several rungs below what we found in the Q2 and the Countryman, but is well-insulated and spacious enough for comfortable living.