The brother of the Audi Q5 and Q7, the Audi Q3, is set to start selling in the middle of the year.

 With a diesel four pot and two petrol four-cylinder engines, the Q3 will be able to run 100km/h in 6.9 seconds with the 155kW to just 5.2 litres/100km with the 103kW 2.0-litre TDI.

 Amongst these models will be a 125Kw TFSI petrol motor and a 130kW 2.0-litre TDI diesel. Each Q3 will be turbo-charged, use start-stop and energy recuperation.

 On the outside, the Q3 will use lighter aluminium on the bonnet and hatch and has a total length of 4.39 metres, a lot smaller than its brothers.

 It is 1.6 metres high and 1.83 metres wide and the lightest version of the Q3 weighs less than 1500kg.

 The front-drive petrol and diesel models use the six-speed manual gearboxes whereas the all-wheel drive model has the seven-speed S-Tronic double-clutch gearbox.

 The Range Rover’s new Evoque or the Land Rover Freelander may be known for their off-road abilities, however the Audi Q3 promises to match its competition.

 Instead of using mechanical systems, the Q3 uses electronics when driving in difficult terrain. On the rear axle there is also an electronic differential lock which uses the traction control systems and ESP to maximise the grip.

 There is also an electro-mechanical power steering system to maximise fuel economy and improve accuracy. There is a four link rear suspension and a MacPherson strut front suspension.

 The simple base models will have 16-inch alloy wheels whereas the more powerful vehicles will have 17-inch wheels and Audi will permit up to 19-inch wheels.