UPMARKET

Style in a compact package takes another leap upmarket this month with the order book opening on the latest version of the Audi Q3.

Slicker styling, extra kit and a range of more efficient engines - including a new cylinder-on-demand unit – are all part of the plan for the newcomer, due in showrooms next spring.

It will be followed by a new flagship model for the range in the fiery form of the RS Q3, now uprated to a hefty 340PS, which will be available to order in January.

Prices for the Q3 will start at £25,340 for the 1.4-litre SE petrol model with 150PS of punch, rising to £30,820 for the 2.0 TDI quattro SE version with 184PS.

Higher spec S line trim adds £2,550 to the tab while top grade S line Plus takes the price up by another £2,350. Final pricing has yet to be set for the RS version.

As for design, the Q3’s coupe-like lines and wraparound tailgate has been lifted by a new 3D effect singleframe grille, revised bumpers and fresh alloy wheels, while the full body-colour paint finish which was previously standard for S line versions and above also now extends to SE models.

The revised headlights now feature xenon bulbs and LED daytime running lights as standard in SE versions, complemented at the rear by reworked LED tail lights.

line and S line plus spec levels upgrade to all-weather LED headlights and dynamic ‘scrolling’ rear indicators which illuminate sequentially within two-tenths of a second from the inside out in the direction the driver intends to turn.

And Audi says that the three TFSI petrol engines and pair of TDI diesels at the heart