With the third generation of the Audi RS 3 Sportback and the second generation of the RS 3 Sedan, Audi is relaunching the sporty top-of-the-line pair in the compact high-performance segment in South Africa.

In the latest generation of the compact sports car, the engine is now more powerful than ever before, said the German carmaker. This is mainly due to the increased torque of 500 Newton metres – 20 Newton metres more than in the predecessor. It ranges from 2,250 and 5,600 rpm.

The new RS 3 models reach the broad power plateau, which extends to 7,000 rpm, from as low as 5,600 rpm. Boasting 294 kW of power, they sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds thanks to Launch Control – three-tenths of a second faster than before, said Audi.

The model’s top speed, which is electronically limited to 250 km/h, can be optionally increased to 290 km/h. In the NEDC combined cycle, the RS 3 Sedan and RS 3 Sportback consumes 9.0 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on average.

The RS 3 comes standard-equipped with Matrix LED headlights with darkened bezels that feature digital daytime running lights around their outer downturned angles.

LED taillights, including dynamic turn signal lights, door entrance LED lighting with RS logo projection in the front, and contour ambient lighting with multi-coloured accents are other exciting standard lighting features as well.

Inside the cabin, buyers can expect a 10.1-inch infotainment system sitting next to a 12.3-inch driver’s display with a g-force meter, blinking shifter indicators, and lap and acceleration timers.

Additional standard amenities include carbon fibre trim elements, RS Sport seats with anthracite contrast stitching, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, a rear-view camera, park assist, and keyless entry and start.

Further available on the options sheet are a heads-up display, Nappa leather seats, and the RS Design packages in red and green.

The new Audi RS 3 Sportback and Sedan will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 September 2022 and comes standard with a five-year Audi Freeway Plan.

Similarly, Alfa Romeo’s Giulia and Stelvio have also been lavished with some updates as they enter the local market this week.

The basic technical specification remains the same with attention put on the on-board experience, “providing an increasingly pleasurable, safe and connected experience, allowing the brand to recapture its traditions of elegant sportiness.

The most significant updates for the range include the replacement of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Super with the Stelvio Veloce, aligning the SUV range with the Giulia, the group said. A number of styling enhancements enhance the Veloce’s appeal even further with a body-colour exterior kit, black anodised brake callipers, matt dark exhaust tips, and monotone wheel centres.

“Inside, the Stelvio Veloce sportiness is ramped up with a black roof lining, six-way electrically adjustable luxury sports seats with four-way lumbar adjustment and memory function for the driver. The infotainment system has been upgraded to eight speakers, and luxury comfort is further enhanced with a hands-free tailgate.”

Stelvio Q customers will still enjoy a 375kW V6 engine, but they will do so from carbon shell Alcantara sports seat from Sparco. “It remains of the fastest SUVs in the world and now benefits from many of the other Veloce enhancements, including the hands-free tailgate,” the group said.

The Giulia range continues to feature two models. The Veloce continues to be powered by Alfa Romeo’s all-aluminium 2.0-litre engine developing 206kW, transferring that performance through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels via a carbon fibre prop shaft.

That performance is further enhanced in the latest Veloce thanks to the addition of a limited-slip differential as standard, it said.

“Alfa Romeo’s four-door supercar, the Giulia QV, also becomes more appealing than ever with special features that make this 375kW beast even more exotic. New QVs will now come with Alcantara carbon shell sports seats by Sparco as standard, the theme is carried through to the exposed carbon fibre roof.

“Harmon Kardon sound will rival Alfa Romeo’s bi-turbo V6 in the sound department while the QV continues to offer 307km/h performance and 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3.9 seconds.”

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio come with a 5 years/100 000km full warranty and maintenance plan as standard.

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