Internal combustion types out first are the tasters - the plug-in hybrid coming later is the big news item.

MORE than two million units sold across the globe since the moniker was coined proves the value to Audi of having a compact sports utility.

The third generation revealed this week and expected to show in New Zealand next year is expected to pick up the good work undertaken by two previous generations.

Delivering with all-new yet clearly familial look - Ingolstadt says the car, inside and out, has been directly inspired by the bigger new Q5 also soon to arrive and the Q6 et-ron that has freshly landed here - the latest Q3 is kicking off with two 110kW fully internal-combustion versions.

However, the bigger headline-maker is surely the plug-in hybrid powertrain.

This promises optimal petrol-electric economy of 2.2–1.7 litres per 100 kilometres, with CO2 down to as little as 39 grams per kilometre, according to Ingolstadt’s preliminary figures, They say that fuel consumption with discharged battery will still be down to a modest 6.0 l/100km.

First in circulation are a mild-hybrid-assisted, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit known as the TFSI and a 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel; both in front-wheel drive and with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

All-wheel-drive is soon to add in. That initially comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol TFSI quattro, in 150kW/320Nm and 195kW/400Nm tune.

Above those will place the e-Hybrid, with 200kW/400Nm and fitted with a 19.7kWh (usable energy) battery pack.

It’s not only going to be the family’s immediate 0-100kmh pace-setter but is capable of up to 120km of electric driving alone on a fully charged battery.

And owners will be able to replenish it at a 50kW DC peak, meaning a 10-80 per cent charge could take less than 20 minutes at such a rate.

Q3’s cabin has a dual-screen panoramic display comprising an 11.9-inch digital cockpit and a 12.8-inch infotainment system mounting high on the layered dash.

Known as the Digital Stage, that widescreen interface is shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron, Audi A5, Audi A6 and Audi A6 e-tron... and the new Q5 too.

Space has been freed up in the centre console because the gearshift has been moved up to the steering column. In respect to practicality, Audi says its latest, smallest SUV has a boot which measure 488 litres with all seats in use, rising to 1386 litres with the second row folded away.

Underpinning the new Q3 is the VW Group’s familiar MQB platform. Audi has rejigged the suspension set-ups in the name of versatility and refinement. the adaptive system has a big rework, with new hardware and software.

Active safety and driver assist tech runs to adaptive driving assistant plus emergency assist - with this active, the car will automatically pull over should it determine the driver has become unresponsive.