AUDI'S acclaimed five-cylinder petrol engine is set to make a come-back in the latest generation of the German brand's high-performance Q3 SUV.

And the company's latest 2.5 litre five-pot unit is more potent than ever. With 395bhp it is 17 per cent more powerful than before and is capable of rocketing the new RS Q3 models from standstill to 60mph in less than 4.5 seconds and on to a limited maximum of 155mph, which can be optionally further increased to 174mph.

Like the standard Q3, the latest RS models will be available with the sleeker Sportback bodywork as well as the more familiar SUV styling and will come in a choice of three trim levels and will be available to order in the late autumn with first deliveries towards the end of the year. Prices have yet to be revealed by Audi.

Standard features will include a seven-speed Stronic transmission, quattro permanent all-wheel drive, drive select dynamic handling system, sports suspension and dynamic chassis control in top of the range versions.

Inside there's a fully-digital, virtual cockpit and an RS sport leather steering wheel, flattened at the bottom which includes newly designed shift paddles and multifunction buttons that allow the driver to control the two optional RS modes in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

According to Audi Sport boss Oliver Hoffmann: "The first Audi RSQ3 established its own segment. With the offering of the all-new Audi RSQ3Sportback, a progressive SUV coupe crossover, we are the trendsetter and are leveraging to the full the phenomenal growth potential for Audi Sport."