AUDI RS3 SEDAN
PRICE ON APPLICATION
The German carmaker’s smallest and most powerful saloon has a revised turbocharged 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine that kicks out 400bhp, or 33bhp more than the previous unit. More importantly, the improved motor gives the RS3 Sedan a significant performance edge over the Mercedes-AMG CLA45. Apart from having 40bhp more than the CLA45, the RS3 also demolishes the century sprint in 4.1 seconds, or half a second quicker than its rival.
RIVAL: MERCEDES-AMG CLA45
MASERATI LEVANTE
FROM $390,000 ON THE ROAD
The first SUV from the 103-year-old carmaker is aimed at tempting potential Cayenne buyers away from the Porsche showroom. Indeed, the Levante and Levante S models, which are powered by turbocharged 3-litre V6 engines, both offer more horsepower than the Cayenne and Cayenne S. If that doesn’t convince buyers, they may be swayed by the fact that Ferrari manufactures the V6 motors, which would allow them to claim – albeit tenuously – that they’re essentially driving a “Ferrari SUV”.
RIVAL: PORSCHE CAYENNE
MERCEDES-AMG GT ROADSTER
PRICE ON APPLICATION
Targeting well-heeled sun-worshippers, this muscular roadster offers head-turning looks, a soft-top that opens and closes in 11 seconds, and a tarmac-shredding zero-to-100km/h time of 4 seconds. This performance comes from a turbocharged 4-litre V8 that delivers 476bhp and 630Nm to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Those who want their hairdos tousled even quicker can opt for the 557bhp GT C variant, which has a blistering century dash time of 3.7 seconds.
RIVAL: AUDI R8 SPYDER
PEUGEOT 3008
PRICE ON APPLICATION
This second-generation model eschews its predecessor’s unusual styling for a proper SUV design. Inside, the 3008 is roomier and more advanced than before, thanks to its 62mm longer wheelbase and minimalist cockpit with an all-digital instrument cluster and updated infotainment system. Family men will appreciate the new driver aids that enhance safety, along with the larger 520-litre boot (seats upright), which is 90 litres bigger than before.
RIVAL: RENAULT KADJAR
