A SLEEKER looking Audi Q3 Sportback is on the way and will be released this September with prices starting from £38,300.

That's for a 1.5-litre TFSI version while diesel models will cost from £40,000 and plug-in hybrids, which have a 1.5-litre petrol engine linked to an electric motor, will start from £45,800.

The hybrid has an electric range of up to 72 miles and can manage a theoretical 166.2mpg with emissions of 40g/km.

It pumps out a total of 272ps compared to the 150ps of the unassisted version which gives it a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 6.4 seconds compared to the more sedate 9.1 seconds of the TFSI.

Diesels are said to be good for 52.3 to the gallon while all-wheel drive quattro models are the quickest with 2.0-litre petrol engines developing either 204ps or 265ps which in the case of the latter result in a 5.7 second acceleration time and a top speed of 149mph.

Its roofline, which slopes downward from the windscreen-pillar, is 29mm lower than that of the SUV which gives the Q3 Sportback an even sportier appearance and a faster silhouette.

The rear section has digital OLED rear lights complemented by a continuous LED light strip and the illuminated rings.

Inside, a new steering wheel control unit means more storage space in the centre console, and the steering wheel control unit integrates two new steering column levers for the first time. The lever on the right serves as a gear selector, the one on the left as a control element for the light functions and windscreen wipers.

The Q3 Sportback commands a £1,500 premium across the line-up.