AN all-new Audi Q3 SUV that is significantly larger than the current model will be on the road before the end of the year.

At some 14ft 8ins in length it is almost four inches longer and comes with sharper lines in keeping with Audi's new design which includes a pronounced Singleframe grille and LED daytime running lights.

The new Q3 is almost an inch wider but lower and the wheelbase has been increased by more than three inches making for more room inside.

Boot space also increases and is now a minimum of 530 litres - more than 100 than before - and with sliding rear seats that can be raised to 675 litres. Maximum capacity is now 1,525 litres which is an increase of 200 litres or four suitcases.

Initially, four engines will be available with three of them petrol with the only diesel a 2.0-litre unit developing 150ps and mated to a manual gearbox with quattro all wheel drive.

Petrol engines will kick off with a 1.5-litre TFSI also developing 150ps but will be front wheel drive and comes with a seven-speed semi-automatic S tronic transmission.

It will be joined by two 2.0-litre versions with either 190 or 230ps on tap and those will both have quattro drive trains mated to S tronic gearboxes.

A manual version of the 1.5-litre TFSI model and an S tronic, front wheel drive diesel will join the line up later as will a higher powered 190ps diesel.

The cabin of the new Q3 is now almost entirely digital with Audi's virtual cockpit and MMI touch display standard on the launch models.

The layout of the dash is driver oriented with the display screen slightly angled and the sat nav system includes three years subscription to online services including Google Earth imagery and live traffic information on Sport and S line models.

A new audio system automatically switches the radio from FM to DAB to optimise reception.

Options include wireless phone charging and extra USB ports and a 12-volt outlet in the rear of the car.

All new Q3s will have blind spot detection, automatic emergency braking and lane departure systems as standard with other driver aids such as automatic cruise control available as an option.

Pricing and full UK specification will be announced nearer to the introduction date but the current line up runs from just under £30,000 to almost £40,000.